Guyana Times Friday August 2, 2019

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Issue No. 4003

THE BEACON OF TRUTH FRIday, august 2, 2019

Jagdeo raps Jordan over employment remarks See story on page 3

Govt needs to do more to improve business sector – US diplomat

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WHAT'S INSIDE:

Teen gets bail on manslaughter P8 charge Sexual offences convictions P2 continue to increase annually – DPP …says Essequibo still to record a successful conviction for 2019

Page 7

Guyanese celebrate

of Emancipation

See story on page 12 A well-decked-out family in cultural attire in the National Park on Thursday as Guyana celebrates Emancipation

Man dies, woman hospitalised following WCB accident Page 2

Influx of Haitians into Guyana raises major health concerns …as Haiti leads in HIV/AIDS, cholera, TB Page 11

Seeta’s Bar fatal shooting

Ex-Policeman P8 not a licensed firearm holder

Govt distributes 209 land titles to Berbice residents P14 Guyana Goldfields AGM rekindles resistance to unionisation – P17 workers

2 news

friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Sexual offences convictions continue to increase annually – DPP ...says Essequibo still to record a successful conviction for 2019

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exual offence cases continue to dominate the courtrooms across the country and although there are notable increases in convictions nationwide, the county of Essequibo (Region Two) is yet to record a successful prosecution in this regard for 2019.

According to Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Shalimar Ali-Hack, since the commencement of the year, there has been a 32 per cent conviction rate for the county of Demerara and a 12.5 per cent conviction rate in Berbice.

However, earlier this year, the 2019 February Criminal Assizes got off to at the High Court in Essequibo where some 81 cases were listed to be heard. Sexrelated offences accounted for 44 of these cases.

Rape of a child under 16 years heads the list of sex-related offences, accounting for 31 of the 44 cases.

Thus far, there has been

Director of Public Prosecutions, Shalimar Ali-Hack

zero conviction in Essequibo.

Nonetheless, the DPP acknowledged that with the advent of the Sexual Offences Court in November 2017, much work has been done to have such cases dealt with in Demerara.

It was also noted that in the June 2019 Assizes for

Demerara alone, there were 177 cases for sexual offences, out of a list of 301 cases.

Of these 177 sexual offence cases, 126 are for children, either sexual activity (no penetration) or rape (penetration).

“The counties of Demerara and Essequibo have more sexual offences listed to be heard (for 2019) and they are on an average 55 per cent of the cases on the list…it is important for us to consider the jury’s reaction as this sometimes is indicative of the thinking and attitude of our people towards sexual violence in the society. For 2016, there was an average 10 per cent conviction rate, 2017 there was an average 25 per cent conviction rate and in 2018 there was average 60 per cent conviction rate”.

Zeroing in on the prevalence of sexual offences committed in Guyana, the DPP highlighted that statistics reveal that in 2018, of 922

cases listed to be heard, there were 618 sexual offence cases.

“The conviction rate in 2018 for Demerara, there were 37 cases and 23 of those cases, there were convictions. Ten acquittals and four hung jury. That was 62.1 per cent conviction. In Berbice, there were nine cases and six convictions out of the nine and three acquittals that is 66.6 per cent.

Essequibo: seven cases, one conviction, five acquittals, one hung jury and that is 14.2 per cent”.

She reiterated that over the past three years, sexual offence cases continue to account for the majority of cases heard in the courts.

“In 2017, the sexual offences cases on an average comprised of about 55 per cent of the cases listed.

In 2018, an average 60 per cent of the cases listed. And in 2019 an average of 55 per cent of the cases listed to be heard”.

In 2016, there was a two per cent conviction rate of all sexual offences cases in Demerara. In 2017, there was a 27 per cent conviction rate, and last year, there was a whopping 62.1 per cent conviction rate, she stated.

The Sexual Offences Act of 2010 stated that a sexual offence is any sexual violation on an individual that includes rape, and any other form of sexual assault, such as touching or causing the complainant to touch a third party in a sexual way.

Man dies, woman hospitalised following WCB accident

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pedestrian was killed on Thursday morning, while a female pedal cyclist remains hospitalised after they were struck down by one of two speeding motorcars that were allegedly “racing” along the Number 42 Village Public Road, West Coast Berbice (WCB).

The dead man has been identified as 54-year-old Gregory Stanley, also called ‘Backtoe’, of the Number 42 Village, WCB. The identity of the injured woman is unknown.

Based on reports received, at about 6:30h on the morning in question, Stanley had been standing in the corner of the Public Road waiting to cross when the two motorcars were heading in his direction at a fast rate.

Guyana Times understands that one of the drivers attempted to overtake the other car but forced himself back into his lane after another car was coming from the opposite direction. As a result, one of the drivers allegedly lost control, skidded off the roadway, and slammed into a parked car before hitting Stanley and the female cyclist who was close to him.

Stanley and the injured female were both rushed to the Fort Wellington Hospital, but upon his arrival at the health facility, Stanley was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, the female was immediately admitted to that hospital for emergency treatment as a result of the severity of her injuries, but was subsequently transferred to the New Amsterdam Hospital.

Traffic Chief Linden Isles

Traffic Chief Linden Isles, when contacted, confirmed that the two drivers of the motorcars who were involved in the fatal accident were said to have been racing with each other on the roadway.

“Both drivers are in Police custody as investigations into this accident continue. The pedestrian who died, he was trying to cross the road when the accident took place, he died on the spot. Breathalyzer tests were conducted on both drivers and it revealed that they both were above the prescribed limit of alcohol consumption,” the Chief added.

He reiterated that persons should desist from imbibing and operating vehicles on the roadways since it is a traffic offence and an action that could lead to the deaths of innocent persons also.

“Be responsible when using the road. Get a designated driver if you have to imbibe. Alcohol and speed don’t mix, they are a bad combination always”.

3 Jagdeo raps Jordan over employment remarks news

friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

BRIDGE OPENINGS The Demerara Harbour Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, August 2 – 05:00h-06:30h and Saturday, August 3 – 05:30h-07:00h.

The Berbice Bridge will be closed to vehicular traffic on:

Friday, August 2 – 04:50h-06:20h and Saturday, August 3 – 05:35h-07:05h.

FERRY SCHEDULE Parika and Supenaam departure times - 05:00h, 11:00h and 16:00h daily

WEATHER TODAY Sunny intervals will prevail with light rain showers in the mid-morning and late afternoon hours.

Light rain showers continue into the evening hours followed by clear to partly cloudy skies.

Temperatures should range between 21 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius.

Winds: East North-easterly to Southerly between 1.34 metres and 4.02 metres.

High Tide: 17:47h reaching a maximum height of 2.73 metres.

Low Tide: 11:20h and 23:38h reaching minimum heights of 0.37 metre and 0.48 metre.

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pposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo has taken Finance Minister Winston Jordan to task over recent remarks on unemployment in Guyana.

Last week, the Finance Minister flagged Guyanese for crying foul over the lack of job opportunities when foreign nationals are coming here and getting jobs. He made this remark while at a press conference hosted by the PNCR – the largest party in the APNU fraction of the Coalition government.

Jordan had opined that Guyanese are demanding high wages hence jobs often goes to those foreigners who are willing to accept lesser salaries.

“When you say they are no job, I’ve seen Venezuelans and I’ve seen Cubans, I’ve seen Brazilians, I’ve seen Nigerians and I’ve seen Haitians now getting jobs in Guyana – a country that supposedly don’t have jobs or you hear a lot of young people say, they ain’t got jobs.

I’m not speaking lies, you have Haitian Carpenters, Brazilians carpenters and plumbers and so on. So there must be jobs, the question is whether the job is paying what you want it to pay. For these (foreign) people yes, for some of the natives no,” Jordan had said last Friday.

However, this statement did not go down well with Jagdeo when he was asked about the Minister’s utterance at his weekly press conference on Wednesday.

“Is this the government’s policy that we must allow immigrants to come in to undercut the labour market.

I hope the TUC (Guyana Trades Union Congress) hears this, that we must undercut Guyanese who are working… He’s saying that bringing in immigrants here, because they work for cheaper, would be beneficial to the economy so that they can undercut Guyanese labourers because they work for less wages than they do. So, our people must not get employment or they must lower their

Opposition Leader Bharrat Jagdeo

wages to match those of the immigrants who are coming in to work,” he stated.

According to the Opposition Leader, this position by a Senior Government Minister is especially shocking.

“If this is the justification of this government, then I don’t know. It’s shocking for me personally because I thought our aim is to first of all to look out for our Guyanese people and to ensure that progressively, they get better paying jobs and more jobs – not to try to bring in people to undercut their salaries. This is a shocking revelation to me, this is unbelievable. Do these people think before they speak (about) what they want for?”

Jagdeo posited.

Recent figures from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) has estimated youth unemployment in Guyana to be almost 23 percent. To further compound this, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has found that 80 percent of prosecuted crimes here are committed by youths between the ages of 19 and 29.

However, a new Guyana Labour Force Survey in 2018

had found that the unemployment rate here to be 12% in the third quarter of 2017, with high disproportions of both women and youth.

The survey was first of its kind in Guyana in recent years and highlighted that unemployment during that period was 37,119. This figure includes 15.3% of eligible females against 9.9% of eligible males, and 21.6% of youth aged 15 to 24 and 28% of young women.

It was also found that the total resident population, aged 15 and above, was 550,831 with the total employed population being 271,068. Of that figure, 166,873 or 62% being males and 104,195 or 38% being females with jobs.

Moreover, the survey further confirmed “a marked disadvantage for women” in the labour market with the proportion of women in managerial positions recorded at 37.8%.

Additionally, a “worrisome labour market situation of youth” was also highlighted, showing the proportion of youth not in education, employment, or training (NEETs). This was recorded at 35.2% and is higher for young women with 63% percent of the total number of NEETs. Nevertheless, the Finance Minister during his remarks last Friday had posited that more jobs are expected to be created directly and indirectly from the budding oil and gas industry. However, he posited that these jobs will require skills.

“So we have to go and prepare, and don’t wait for local

Finance Minister Winston Jordan

content legislation. If the petroleum industry requires 200 skilled artisans, they will take artisans if they’re available in Guyana. So, you don’t need local content for that…

You need to take advantage of the numerous free courses that are being mounted by various institutions to get you educated and skilled,” the Finance Minister asserted.

Only Wednesday, 79 young Guyanese graduated from a nine-month technical and vocation skills training initiative. The programme, funded by USAIDS’ Community, Family and Youth Resilience (CFYR) initiative, aims to strengthen opportunities for at-risk youth between the ages of 16 – 29 years to become more marketable and successful in joining the work force.

The ‘Workforce Development Programme’ was designed in a holistic approach, empowering youths with soft and hard skills, and then placing them in employment. During the program, the participants took and completed courses in data operations; electrical installation and motor vehicle repairs.

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friday, august 2, 2019

Views Editor: Tusika Martin News Hotline: 231-8063 Editorial: 231-0544, 223-7230, 223-7231, 225-7761 Marketing: 231-8064 Accounts: 225-6707 Mailing address: Queens Atlantic Investment Estate Industrial Site, Ruimveldt, Georgetown Email: news@guyanatimesgy.com, marketing@guyanatimesgy.com

Youth and societal challenges

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he United Nations General Assembly has designated August 12 as International Youth Day. Since it was first observed in 1999, the day serves as an annual celebration of the role of young women and men as essential partners in change, and provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the many diverse and complex challenges young people face.

According to UN estimates, there are currently 1.8 billion young people between the ages of 10 and 24 in the world.

This is the largest youth population ever. But 1 in 10 of the world’s children live in conflict zones, and 24 million of them are out of school. The UN notes that political instability, labour market challenges, and limited space for political and civic participation have led to increasing isolation of youth in societies.

Here, in Guyana, there are many social ills affecting citizens, especially the younger segment of the population; and programmes and support services to help address these issues could never be enough. For example, the use of illegal drugs and alcohol, crime, suicide, domestic and other forms of violence, lack of jobs, and so on are having a huge negative impact on communities. And now, more than ever before, there is need for a genuine collaborative approach, with inclusive planning and coordination, where volunteerism is a key element, to help find practical and lasting solutions to these many ills.

While the Government must play a crucial role in designing the relevant policies and putting in place the necessary legislative framework and other support mechanisms aimed at addressing these issues, this burden must also be shared by other stakeholders; such as religious groups, the Private Sector and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) etc.

A case in point is that there is hardly any family in Guyana that has never been touched directly or indirectly by suicide.

Experts have pointed to the fact that about 90 per cent of people who die by suicide had some sort of mental illness at the time of their death. Many people die by suicide because depression is triggered by several negative life experiences, and the suffering person does not receive effective treatment or support. Young people are crying out for attention; they need guidance, or simply someone to speak with; many want to find a way out of their misery. However, sometimes accessing that source of help is very difficult.

The role of the Private Sector should never be underestimated. There is need for funding for many crucial programmes aimed at creating better opportunities for young persons. Such programmes, once effectively implemented, would see our children and young people become wellequipped with the necessary skills to develop themselves, and in turn contribute to the overall development of the country. The Private Sector is one of the main beneficiaries of an educated and skilled workforce, and it should seek to invest in, and help to build, the pool of talent it wishes to draw from.

It is well accepted that progressive countries in the world have strong systems for engaging youth in policy formation, and in creating or altering programmes designed to support youth. One of the most effective ways to create a sense of belonging and give youth a voice is through national and local youth councils, which aim to create platforms for young people to discuss and debate relevant issues and influence policy decisions.

With opportunities afforded by new technologies, including the deployment of social networking platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, this should lead to more interest for youth to get involved in debates and discussions, and to pose questions to their leaders on issues that are relevant to the electorate.

We encourage all stakeholders here, including the Government and Private Sector, to use International Youth Day to raise awareness of the challenges young people face, and to lobby for more support, both in terms of designing the necessary policies and allocating the resources needed that would hopefully result in better opportunities for this segment of our population.

People’s Progressive Party/Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali greets a group of young men during his walk-about in the National Park on Thursday during Guyana’s Emancipation celebration

They survived colonisation and war, but Venezuela’s collapse was too much Part 1

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hey had lived off the land for hundreds of years, before Venezuela or Colombia had even been founded.

The Wayuu, an Indigenous group of shepherds in South America, had survived war, upheaval, revolution and even being separated from one another by the creation of national borders between the two countries.

Yet for the Wayuu living in Venezuela, the breaking point finally came with the economic devastation under President Nicolás Maduro and the American sanctions against his Government.

As the country plunged into the world’s worst economic collapse outside of war in decades, the Wayuu began leaving on foot to Colombia – in the desperate hope that they might find a new home with their brethren.

But here in a lonely Colombian settlement called Parenstu, it hasn’t gone to plan.

The Wayuu from Venezuela showed up with their hungry and malnourished children, their tiny ribs visible after years of economic ruin. The sudden influx has caused such a strain on their impoverished counterparts in Colombia that a searing conflict has erupted between the Wayuu over land, water and the right to belong here. Children on both sides of the struggle now go hungry. Some have died of malnutrition.

The clash in Parenstu is just one on a border now overwhelmed by Wayuu abandoning Venezuela to go to Indigenous lands in Colombia. And it reflects a much broader crisis upending Latin America, where the mass exodus of

Venezuelans from all segments of society is testing the patience of their neighbours.

At least four million Venezuelans have fled their country in recent years, forced out by hunger, hyperinflation and deadly political crackdowns. By next year, their departure could outpace the migration from Syria to become the world’s largest refugee crisis, according to the Organisation of American States.

The arrivals are taxing their new hosts, who are torn between a desire to help and the instinct to protect their own resources. For the most part, the Venezuelans have found open borders, but in Ecuador and Brazil, large mobs have attacked migrant shelters, evicting them from towns that residents say are being overrun. In Colombia, new migrants, unable to receive medical treatment at home, have brought measles and malaria, diseases that were largely controlled in the country.

“The headlines generate xenophobia,” said Felipe Muñoz, the Colombian official responsible for handling the crisis at the border. More than 1.4 million Venezuelans are now in Colombia, he said, burden-

ing a country that had only 140,000 registered foreigners five years ago and has not had a wave of migrants like this in recent memory.

Colombia’s Guajira Desert is home to the Wayuu, a desolate place in the continent’s extreme north where the original inhabitants and new arrivals are both trying to survive. Electricity never came to many of these villages, nor did running water. A five-year drought has meant long-running bouts of hunger.

The leader of Parenstu, Celinda Vangrieken, whose family has lived in Colombia for a century, looked at the refugees from Venezuela – dozens of newcomers among the hundreds of people living here. She said she had watched with sympathy as they arrived, haggard and desperate.

But while they might be her people, she said, they were not her blood.

“They said, ‘We’re Wayuu, we’re from here like you,’” she said. “But this is not their land.”

On a recent day, an infant with a rash across her forehead screamed. The girl had been vomiting blood, her mother said, and had lost two pounds in recent weeks.

“She doesn’t want to eat,” said the mother, Andreina Paz, a 20-yearold Venezuelan Wayuu who crossed the border this year after watching her neighbour’s daughters die from malnutrition. She feared her own daughter would now die in Colombia.

Celia Epinayu buried her own son, Eduardo, in February. She is not a migrant, but a Colombian Wayuu living on the lands where her parents had raised her. But as Paz and others from Venezuela kept arriving, the food for Epinayu’s clan grew scarce and she could not feed her five children, including 10-month-old Eduardo.

“Your boy is dead, you have to let go,” said Betty Ipuana, the local schoolteacher, who was visiting Epinayu at her adobe house.

“The ones you must look over now are the ones that are alive.”

Epinayu didn’t respond, looking at the dusty ground.

The strain is evident on the faces of the putchipu’u, the Wayuu authorities who mediate disputes and deliver messages between clans.

They sat under a thatched roof beside the highway, discussing dozens of new conflicts over land, and the fear they might widen into blood feuds between families. On the northern coast, Colombian Wayuu recently torched the tents of newly-arrived Venezuelans.

“It’s the fear we all have, that this land can’t support us all,” began Guillermo Ojeda, speaking to the other mediators at the table.

But he said the Venezuelans had to be accepted, even if it meant risks for everyone.

(Excerpt from New York Times)

news

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FRIday, AUGUST 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Trump says US blockade or quarantine of Venezuela under consideration

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.S. President Donald Trump said on Thursday he was considering a quarantine or blockade of Venezuela, as the United States steps up pressure on President Nicolas Maduro to relinquish power.

Trump did not elaborate on when or how such a blockade could be imposed, and his administration has so far focused on

spond to a request for comment. The United States and most Western countries recognize opposition politician Juan Guaido as the rightful leader of Venezuela.

Trump has slapped a series of escalating sanctions on Venezuela to pressure Maduro to step down and has previously declined to rule out military action. But U.S. officials have made clear that they

diplomatic and economic pressure against Maduro while steering clear of any military action.

Asked by a reporter whether he was considering such a measure, given the amount of involvement by China and Iran in Venezuela, Trump said: “Yes, I am.” He gave no details.

V e n e z u e l a ’ s Information Ministry did not immediately re-

are focused on economic and diplomatic measures and have shown no significant signs of taking up military options.

Washington’s Latin American allies have also cautioned against U.S. military intervention.

Russia, China and Iran have expressed support for Maduro and Russia has dispatched small numbers of troops to the South American country. (Reuters)

Numerous ways that 2019 Cricket World Cup the integrity of an election can be affected

Dear Editor, The most recent and shocking phrase that was introduced by the PNC, “There must be free, fair and credible elections”, and sung by David Granger, is not in the DNA of such a political party.

In fact, the PNC is more associated with the rigging of General and Regional Elections. There are numerous ways in which the integrity of elections can be affected, not only by a “clean” voters list.

Some of the ways in which elections’ results are affected are: elections’ results may be improperly tallied or reported; inaccuracies may be introduced by human error; or because of a lack of proper oversight.

Votes can be affected if there is fraudulent voting, such as multiple voting and illegal voting among other things. Elections’ tallies and reporting may also be affected by malicious actors.

One of the most common methods that are used by the PNC, especially in their support base, is preventing voters from cast-

ing their votes. Some voters are physically barred or otherwise deterred by intimidation from accessing polling places.

Information to voters may be manipulated to mislead potential voters, while the registration data can be tampered with to disenfranchise potential voters.

Sometimes after the primary reporting of results, evidence that enables verification of reported results may be altered or destroyed, resulting in no external auditing and verification.

The biggest joke is that when you have a valid NCM against a Government, you suddenly decide to overhaul an electoral system that facilitated the said APNU/ AFC coalition Government winning Government.

The APNU/AFC coalition Government has fallen. Elections are constitutionally due. David Granger must give the people the power to choose.

Give a date for elections now, and stop making excuses.

Regards, Zamal Hussain

Dear Sir, Now that Cricket World Cup 2019 has ended, I would like to comment on the performance of the West Indies Team.

To say that the performance of the West Indies Team was poor would be an understatement; it was more like atrocious and embarrassing, and at times too painful to watch.

To begin with, the captaincy of Jason Holder was poor and lacked imagination. He does not possess that killer instinct to go for the jugular when West Indies are on top and their opponents are down and out.

For example, against Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, he was too laid back, and allowed things to drift; he did not seize the crucial moments.

Also, his own performance was mediocre, and

was the worst of all the captains at the World Cup. I strongly believe Clive Lloyd made a big mistake when he appointed Jason Holder as captain at the age of twenty-two.

He should have allowed him to develop as a player first, and gain more experience before offering him the captaincy.

As for the batsmen, although most of them are talented, many of them have technical flaws, and lack mental awareness to read the game. In other words, they do not know when to attack, and when to dig in and fight it out when the situation warrants otherwise.

Many of them got out consistently by trying to hook balls that would have sailed over their heads, or by trying to pull balls to the leg-side at face height, when they could easily have left those balls alone.

It was a question of poor shot selection.

And Gayle was a big disappointment. As the most experienced batsman on the team, he should have been the lead batter, with the rest batting around him; but it was not to be, and that also hurt West Indies big time. He was a real let-down. He should go now, and give another young man a chance.

And finally, the bowling was up and down; sometimes very good, and other times very poor. Let me say this: it was a shame that Kemar Roach was not selected for the earlier games. He would have made a big difference. He and Cottrell were our best bowlers. Shane Thomas has a serious fitness problem and should not be selected for 50 Over games, only 20/20 games.

His pace drops drastically when he has to bowl

10 overs, and his fielding is very poor.

We also needed another quality spinner. Nurse and Allen were no good.

We desperately needed a Sunil Narine, and Russell should not have been selected with all the injury problems he has. Keemo Paul should have been selected instead.

Editor, I cannot end this letter without mentioning the selectors. Until we have selectors who would put West Indies cricket first before their personal and fellow countrymen’s interest, West Indies cricket will continue to be in the doldrums.

We must eradicate insularity from West Indies cricket, and to this end, the buck stops with Ricky Skerritt and Emmanuel Nanthan.

Yours faithfully, Imtiaz Baccus

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Foundation

Texting on the move

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Texting takes focus o matter how young and agile we are, the human brain just can’t do several things at once and give full attention to all of them. So you can get into some major danger if you try to text in situations that require your full focus.

The problem happens when you try to multitask. When you text, you’re thinking about what to say, concentrating on what your thumbs are doing, and reading incoming messages rather than paying attention to what you’re doing or where you’re going. And that definitely ups your risk of getting hurt or injuring others.

It doesn’t matter if you can text without looking at the keypad.

Even if texting feels like second nature, your brain is still trying to do two things at once – and one of them is bound to get less attention.

Texting also prevents you from paying close attention to what’s going on around you, something that’s especially important in situations where you need to have your guard up, like walking home after dark. Your reaction time is also likely to be much slower if you’re texting. If you’re about to run into someone or something else, you may not have time to act before it’s too late.

When texting gets dangerous Texting while walking can lead to injury, like stepping hard off a curb or walking into something. Texting is believed to play a role in many pedestrian injuries. In fact, “distracted walking” has become such a problem that some areas are banning texting while walking.

Texting behind the wheel is even more dangerous. Police and other authorities often use a driver’s phone records to check for phone

and text activity in the seconds and minutes before a crash.

When people text while behind the wheel, they’re focusing their attention – and often their eyes – on something other than the road. In fact, driving while texting can be more dangerous than driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Texting while driving is against the law in many States. Many States ban any cellphone use by new drivers. Besides being cited for texting, if you swerve all over the place, cut off cars, or bring on a collision, you also could be charged with reckless driving. That may mean a big fine, a lost licence, or even jail time if you cause a fatal crash.

Tips for texting It’s hard to live without texting. So the best thing to do is manage how and when we text, choosing the right time and place.

Here are some ways to make sure your messaging doesn’t interfere with your focus — or your life: Always put your phone in an easily accessible place, like a specific pouch or pocket in your backpack or purse so it’s easy to find.

If you need to text right away, stop what you’re doing or, if you’re driving, pull off the road.

Before you get into a car, set up an automatic message on your phone to tell callers you’re driving and will call them back.

Turn off your phone completely when you’re doing anything that requires your full attention. That way there’s less temptation to answer calls or texts.

Use your best judgment. Text only when you’re not putting yourself or others in harm’s way. And if you’re riding in a car with a driver who is texting, ask him or her to stop or try not to ride with that person again.

Design a constellation

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esign your own constellation with stickers and black paper.

What you need

star stickers black paper crayons (silver and white work best) rocks or tape (only needed if you are drawing outdoors) star guide (optional) What you do

Talk about constellations Ancient sailors used to navigate by the stars they saw in the sky at night. These early explorers found their way because they knew which clusters of stars shone in the north, south, east, and west. They made up names and stories for these starry grouping that are now called constellations.

Here are some books that you could read together about stars and constellations: Zoo in the Sky: A Book of Animal Constellations by Jacquline Mitton Once Upon a Starry Night: A Book of Constellations by Jacqueline Mitton Glow-in-the-Dark Constellations by C.E. Thompson

(kidshealth.org)

Design your own constellation Get sheets of black paper and star stickers.

If you are doing this activity outside, use rocks to weigh down the corners of your paper so it doesn’t blow away. You could also tape the corners down.

Imagine what type of animal or shape you’d like to see in a constellation. Lay out the stars in that shape.

Draw with a crayon between the stars so other people can see your shape better.

It’s like a game of dot-to-dot!

Share your constellation. (rangerrick.org)

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friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil and gas Local Content Policy

Energy Director claims draft to be circulated in 2 weeks ...Compliance Unit being contemplated

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n light of recent comments by People’s Progressive Party/ Civic (PPP/C) Presidential Candidate Irfaan Ali decrying Government’s failure to prioritise the implementation of a Local Content Policy (LCP), Energy Director Mark Bynoe has stated that the first draft of the Policy was completed.

Bynoe added that Government was also working towards establishing a Compliance Unit to monitor data from the sector and ensure that the oil resources are managed prudently.

At a recent press conference on Wednesday, Bynoe further stated that progress has been made to secure Guyana’s resources once the oil industry comes into play.

The Unit will ensure that issues of Guyanese are addressed.

“The Department is currently setting up a Local Content Compliance Unit.

[That Unit will] not only validate the information that is being provided, but also to receive any potential issues or concerns Guyanese contractors or suppliers may have,” Bynoe stated.

He stated that while there has been improvement in reports provided by oil companies, there is still more information to be delivered, especially specific data to determine where these resources are streamed into and the benefactors.

“In terms of the granularity of the reports that are provided, yes we have seen an improvement, but this was a dynamic process.

There is still other granular information that we’ve asked the operator to pro-

vide for us, that we’re better able to analyse who is getting what, what is going where, which regions are benefitting more than others and so that even as we seek to build capacity, we can have a more targeted and strategic approach”.

On the other hand, Finance Minister Winston Jordan, at a press conference, had stated that while legislation is important, the Government should not make it “the be-all and endall”.

He added that many companies that are coming are not waiting for Local Content and other legislation.

In highlighting Jordan’s remarks, Ali said it is unfortunate that such a statement is coming from the Minister as Guyana edges closer to ‘first oil’— as a

Energy Department Director, Dr Mark Bynoe

country that is extremely vulnerable because of the weak legal and regulatory framework.

He pointed out that around the world, a LCP is considered a necessary condition when countries are looking to become oil producers so that they can benefit as much as possible

from the industry.

“It would take less than one year with the help of international organisations to develop such a policy at a cost that we can afford as a nation. The literature on LCP is very explicit on why it is essential for every country involved in the production of oil and gas that is technical and capital intensive,” Ali was quoted as saying.

Ali explained that in the absence of direct opportunities from the sector, the Policy allows for countries to create value-added economic activities related to the oil industry. Another important aspect of the LCP is the creation of employment opportunities when investments and entrepreneurial activities are facilitated.

Presently, the Energy Director has positioned that the final draft has been completed. It will be provided to

the private sector and other pertinent bodies.

“The Local Content Policy final draft is completed and is to be presented in approximately two weeks to the private sector and other relevant stakeholders,” Bynoe indicated.

ExxonMobil affiliate, Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, is operator of, and holds 45 per cent interest in the Stabroek Block.

Hess Guyana Exploration Ltd holds 30 per cent interest, and CNOOC Petroleum Guyana Limited – a wholly-owned subsidiary of CNOOC Limited— holds 25 per cent interest.

Meanwhile, more drilling is scheduled for this year and the first Floating Production, Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel bound for Guyana— the Liza Destiny— was commissioned.

Govt needs to do more to improve business sector – US diplomat

G

uyana is currently on the brink of transformation, but for the country to really benefit from these changes and tap into its full potential, investors must be crystal clear on policies relating to their various interests; and this is where the Government must play its role.

This was expressed by the Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) at the United States (US) Embassy in Guyana, Mark Cullinane, who at the time was speaking to Guyana Times on the sidelines of a reception hosted by the American Chambers of Commerce (AmCham) on Monday evening at the Marriott Hotel.

Cullinane said, “Guyana has a tremendous opportunity, as you well know, given the changes about to come.

It’s historic really, this moment in Guyana’s history; and to take advantage fully of this moment, the rules for businesses -- investors from both Guyana and foreign sources, including the United States -- have to be crystal clear. People need to understand what the requirements are to extend their capital in a country like Guyana; to extend their capital in a country like the United States.”

He added, “So the way in which the Government of Guyana comes together with the business community and other important stakeholders to clarify how investment is done, what the timeline is to register a business, what the labour laws are, what the best practices are in hiring Guyanese for these new investments that are coming into Guyana, that will improve; you’ll see it accelerate even more”.

Cullinane believes that Guyana and its people can truly benefit from that growth when clear rules are established, so that

Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Guyana, Mark Cullinane

businesses can extend capital into the country, hire Guyanese labour, and expand operations that already exist.

Just before expressing these opinions to this newspaper, Cullinane had high-

lighted that Guyana’s high energy costs, coupled with lack of transparency and security concerns, are deterring investors from coming to Guyana.

He had also listed citizen security, the country’s complex tax infrastructure, and duties on imports as among other things that are deterring investors.

It was also recently revealed that Guyana’s ranking in terms of the ease of doing business has been dropped.

US Ambassador to Guyana, Sarah-Ann Lynch, had in June highlighted that Guyana was recently ranked number 134 of 190 countries in the World Bank’s Report on the ease of doing business.

She explained that the World Bank’s 2018 Report on the Ease of Doing Business reflected a drop in

ranking from number 126 in 2017 to number 134 in 2018, out of 190 countries.

Places like Iran, the West Bank, and Gaza ranked better than Guyana.

She noted that this was linked to the fact that Guyana has high rates of taxation, energy, corrup-

tion, and lack of transparency coupled by a number of other factors.

“In addition, the duties imposed on many imported items can be substantial, driving costs up beyond competitiveness. I don’t need to tell you that the cost of electricity is one of the highest

in the region, at more than 35 cents per kilowatt hour.

The power grid system is antiquated, resulting in regular power outage, forcing companies…to install their own power generation systems to cope with the blackouts,” the ambassador had said.

8 News

friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Seeta’s Bar fatal shooting

Ex-Policeman not a licensed firearm holder

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eon David, the ex-Policeman who is wanted by the Police in connection with the fatal shooting of Sophia resident Kurt Duncan at Seeta’s Bar on Monday morning, was not a licenced firearm holder.

This was revealed by a source close to investigations. The suspect, however, remains on the run, but the Police are making effort to apprehend their former colleague.

It was reported that the 32-year-old father of six, of Pike Street, Sophia, Greater Georgetown, was shot once to his chest by David who was at the establishment at the time.

Wanted: Keon David

Dead: Kurt Duncan

Initial reports revealed that at about 2:00h on the day in question, a woman — who was imbibing at Seeta’s Bar— got into a heated argument with a handyman who was at the time wiping the ground.

That argument escalated into a scuffle, and Duncan, who was also at the drinking spot, intervened.

The suspect then whipped out a gun and discharged a round hitting Duncan to the chest. The

injured man was picked up and taken to the Georgetown Public Hospital, where he was pronounced dead on arrival.

David, on the other hand, left the scene, but the Guyana Police Force (GPF) has since issued a wanted bulletin for his arrest.

His last known address has been given as Sophia, Greater Georgetown. He is said to be 32 years old and a former member of the Police Force.

Anyone with information that may lead to the arrest of the suspect is asked to contact the Police on telephone numbers 226-1389, 226-7476, 911, or at the nearest Police Station.

Teen gets bail on manslaughter charge

T

he teenager, who was on remand for stabbing his friend to death during a game of cards at Grove, East Bank Demerara, has been granted bail in the sum of $150,000 when he made his second court appearance at the Juvenile Court on Friday.

The teen was represented by Attorney-atLaw Mark Waldron. On his first court appearance, the teen appeared before

Magistrate Dillon Bess and was not required to plea to the indictable charge which stated that on July 7, 2019, at Grove, East Bank Demerara (EBD), he murdered Mervin Squires.

It was reported that on the day in question, a group of men were gambling at 3rd Street Grove, EBD, during which an argument broke out between Squires and the other young men over money.

The argument quickly

turned into an alternation and it was at that time, the teenager whipped out a knife and stabbed Squires twice to his chest.

Squires reportedly died on his way to the Diamond Diagnostic Centre. A PostMortem performed on the remains of the 21-year-old of Kaneville, East Bank Demerara proved that he died of a single stab wound to the heart.

However, the teen’s mother told Guyana Times

that her son recently turned 18 and, therefore, he should not have been charged in the Magistrates’ Courts.

On the other hand, mother of the dead man stated that she was not satisfied with the manslaughter charge brought against the teen and believed that he should have been slapped with a murder charge instead.

Emancipation…

C

…message from Granger aretaker President David Granger decided to accept the request by representatives of the “ABCE” countries – America, Britain, Canada and the European Union – to meet and discuss his position on the CCJ rulings. These, of course, were handed down over a month and a half ago, and the ambassadors had been releasing releases to the effect that they hoped “all parties” would obey the Court and the Constitutional instructions that had been imparted, especially on the elections. To no effect, unfortunately!

Granger chose to schedule the meeting on July 31 - the day before “Emancipation Day”. To make sure the ABCE countries knew “where he was coming from”, he wore a dashiki – the only member of his team to depart from the Western-style garb that’s their everyday garb.

Now, in the estimation of your Eyewitness, both the timing and the garb were chosen to send a message to the named countries without even uttering a word. And what was that message? It was a very powerful one when one considers that the countries are all “white” countries that were implicated in one way or the other with the slave trade involving Africans. The US, of course, trafficked in African slaves, and retained the “peculiar institution” more than a quarter of a century after Britain had abolished it in 1838. No need to talk about “perfidious” Albion and the Europeans, which include the Dutch and Spanish. Canada benefited tremendously by supplying supplies like salted codfish to feed the slaves.

As such, Granger was pulling out the race card from his deck of options to get the “white countries” to get off his back!! He was telling them how dare they tell a black nation that had been enslaved by them what to do!!

But you protest, dear reader, that the ABCE are only telling Granger to do right by his own constitution? But Granger, like his mentor Burnham, knows all about “white guilt”, and is also not bashful about exploiting it!

Overtly, Granger would’ve assured the plenipotentiaries that, as an independent country, he was fully complying with the law – implicitly insisting, of course, that his idiosyncratic reading (to phrase it most kindly) of the Constitution and the CCJ’s orders is “fit and proppa”!

Placed on the back foot, Granger would’ve assumed the ABCE wouldn’t dare to be more direct in their recommendations than the CCJ did!! Like the latter, they would’ve muttered they hoped Granger would have the “integrity” to “do the right thing”, to use Spike Lee’s felicitous phrase.

Your Eyewitness, however, hopes the ABCE reps aren’t holding their breaths, since – in addition to getting red in the face - they might just be asphyxiating themselves.

The PNC ain’t going nowhere voluntarily!! …for Haitians?

Haiti, of course, is the first country in the world to have emancipated its slaves. This, however, came out of its own revolutionary efforts between 1791 and 1804 -- following the revolution in France. It was a remarkable effort for a nation of slaves to take on one of the mightiest European nations and come out victorious.

It came, however, at a price. A price in which a postrevolutionary France conspired with the new American Republic to hold Haiti in thrall ever since. As a result, Haiti, ironically became the poster boy for poverty in our hemisphere in that time, and their poor citizens have since been running from pillar to post to “find betterment”. It would appear that, just like Williams flooded T&T with small islanders to offset the numerical electoral “threat” from Indo-Trinis, this is also the plan of Granger’s PNC. But the Haitians shouldn’t forget that most of those small islanders ended up in Laventille - which is still the largest slum in the island.

Some emancipation!! …at airport?

Your Eyewitness ventured abroad. His passport was checked on entering the airport, at the check-in counter, prior to entering immigration lineup, at immigration, prior AND post scanner, at customs check of laptop, on entering the waiting area, at the gate, then at the stairs on boarding.

His passport’s been rubbed thin!!

Readers are invited to send their comments by email to eye@guyanatimesgy.com

news

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friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Oil revenues to ensure free education from nursery to tertiary …says President Granger at Emancipation Festival

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President David Granger and members of his Cabinet in Berbice on Thursday

resident David Granger on Thursday related that with Guyana’s expected petroleum revenues, citizens will be able to benefit from free education at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

The President was at the time addressing attendees at this year’s National Emancipation Festival held at the No 53 Union Village, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six).

“Our expected petroleum revenues, apart from what would be devoted to our Sovereign Wealth Fund, will help us to restore education in accordance with our Constitution. Those resources belong to future generations and future generations will benefit and profit from being educated. This would be an educated nation,” the Head of State noted.

Noting that with first oil on the horizon, all citizens benefitting from the opportunity to obtain a good life and free education as enshrined in the Constitution, is one way to ensure a better standard of living. “[Guyana] must not be a nation of a few rich people and very poor, uneducated people. There must be a school in every village, this national decade of development I speak about must ensure that at least one school is established in every village…I want to see a primary school in every single village.

There must be a place for every child in school in Guyana.

Every child must be able to get to school by road or by river”.

President Granger said the greatest gift of Emancipation, in his view, is the gift of education. AfricanGuyanese, he said, have embraced education as a means of providing a better life for themselves, their families, and future generations. They supported the establishment of social institutions for education and religious instruction, including by providing lands for the establishment of churches and schools.

African-Guyanese were pioneers in providing educational opportunities during the last century, the

President said, while pointing to Norman Cameron, a Berbician, who was not only a mathematician, historian, educationist, essayist and dramatist, but he established his own school – the Guianese Academy. Similarly, the Costello brothers – Austin, Cosmo and Joseph – established the Tutorial High School which provided education for children of low-income parents among others.

“Access to education created opportunities for the professional development of African-Guyanese. Their presence increased in public education, public administration, public health, public security and public information. Emancipated Africans employed their education to re-construct their world.

Education was the gateway to their entry into every field of human endeavour and national life,” President Granger said.

He reminded that AfricanGuyanese and their descendants have distinguished themselves in academia, agriculture, accounting, the arts, business, diplomacy, education, engineering, law-enforcement, legal services, medicine, politics, the public service, sport and trade unionism and other fields.

The President’s vision is for every child to have access to education. He said no child must be hampered by their parent’s financial inability to send them to school while referencing the Public Education and Transport Service (PETS) that launched four years ago.

President Granger also said that every school student should be taught science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as the public education system must equip students for the knowledge-based societies of the future.

The Head of State reminded that the first Emancipation covenant won for everyone the right to exist in a society free from enslavement.

The ‘Decade of Development’ is the second Emancipation which assures everyone the right to education.

The General Assembly of the United Nations,

via Resolutions 68/237 of December 23, 2013, designated the decade January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2024 as the International Decade for the People of African Descent and, by Resolution 69/16 of

A group of young people performing at the event on Thursday

November 18, 2014, adopted a Programme of activities for the implementation of the International Decade for People of African Descent.

The designation of the ‘International Decade’ ac-

knowledges that Africans were the victims of the greatest crime against humanity and continue to suffer from dispossession and discrimination.

The President said the

‘International Decade’ recognises that people of African descent have not yet fully overcome the legacy of colonial underdevelopment which continues to contribute to their present condition.

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news

S RAIGHT

Growing trend of male children being sexually abused in Guyana – ChildLink report

…55% increase of sexual violence towards female children between non-trusted persons in her life, both inside and outside 2014 & 2018 of the home, including at in-

A

Some progress as Guyana await GECOM’s actions

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his political crisis has had a major positive booster shot after a legitimate GECOM Chairperson was appointed.

I want to put on record my deep appreciation to the international diplomatic community, the Guyanese diaspora, and the local private sector for coming to the aid of the local population. It is clear that some members of the local civil society have lost their testicular fortitude in this battle for democracy; but the Private Sector Commission, along with the local business chambers, can celebrate the fact that they were trendsetters for good governance at all times. The push that these collective voices offered was vital.

However, I am very concerned that the local religious leaders and the academic community are experiencing a serious symptom of aphonia. It took some major backroom operations involving threats of international sanction after September 18, 2019 to create the conditions that secured a consensus GECOM Chairperson in the spirit of the Constitution. The process is now all in the hands of GECOM, and it is now time for GECOM to shine and get on with the job. There are lots of tasks to be done, and there is little time to do them.

Of paramount importance is the updating of the voters’ list. One side has said this can be achieved only by pressing on with 18-month-long operations called house-to-house (H-2-H) registration, while the other side claims the list used in the 2018 Local Government Elections can be updated within 4 weeks using a process called Claims and Objections (C&O).

Under the C&O system, all the 18-year-olds who are not on the list and want to be added can step forward and be included. To remove the names of the dead since November 2018, a state agency called the GRO can submit such a database, and that process can be done in three (3) days. So, who is correct?

Well, it is not about who is correct and who is not. It is about doing what needs to be done most efficiently in order to live within the rule of the law. According to the CCJ judgment, Guyana must hold elections by September 18, 2019, as publicly confirmed by the Chief Justice on July 2019. The only way to extend that date is by a vote with a two-thirds majority in the National Assembly, and that requires the support of the PPPC. Freedom House officials have so far stated that they have no appetite to extend this timeline until the Caretaker/ Interim President Mr. Granger announces a date.

In the final analysis, this struggle is not over, in spite of the appointment of the GECOM CHAIR. I am of the opinion today that the earliest we can hold credible elections is October 5th, 2019, which is after the legal deadline. If GECOM follows the most effective path to update the 2018 list into a credible 2019 list, then they must have four (4) weeks of C&O to achieve this objective, and that will take us to August 30, 2019. Then even with a supportive Mr. Granger on Team Guyana, he still needs a day or two to call the elections and announce the nomination date. This then sets in train a legal process which requires 30 days from nomination day to elections day.

My humble advice is that we must all continue to cooperate to extend this date to October 5th, 2019, but with one caveat: Mr. Granger must play fair this time and work with GECOM and set a date before the extension is given.

We, as a people, must all work together to prevent an illegitimate government, since it will present an image to the international community that Guyana is ruled by a bunch of “louts” and “lants” whose desire is not to tackle the complex human developmental issues that the nation faces.

If the business world loses confidence in Guyana, then we will experience an increase in the flight of funds, which can cause the non-oil economy to further collapse; which will have further catastrophic impact on the local economy.

Leadership resonates around an attitude of minds to do great things by doing better than you originally planned, and to figure out things in ways you thought were not possible. This blame game of who is right and who is wrong must end. This is not how great nations advance. In my mind, my homeland is a great nation with great collections of people who are ready to be the economic trendsetters of the Caribbean. As one of our national songs reminds us: “Onward, upward, may we ever go, day by day in strengthen and beauty grow”.

Let us show the world what Guyana’s sons and daughters can do as we all welcome our new daughter at the top of GECOM. Please share your thoughts at sasesin1@yahoo.com.

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friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

report conducted

by ChildLink— a non-governmental organisation (NGO) — proved that there is a growing trend of male children being sexually abused on an annual basis.

According to the reports, statistics revealed that between 2014 and 2018, there have been three times the sexual violence cases against boys, while girls continue to be the dominant victims of such acts.

Additionally, from 2014 to 2018, the reports stated that there was a 55 per cent increase in sexual violence towards girls.

However, the most popular offences that the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) is faced with daily is the rape of children under 16-yearsold, where there is penetration and also sexual activity where there is no penetration.

This is according to the DPP’s, Shalimar Ali-Hack, who recently noted that from data retrieved from the June Assizes of Demerara, there were 177 cases for sexual offences of a list of 301 cases to

Child abuse

be heard. Of these 177 cases, 59 per cent involve children who are victims of sexual violence.

“The files are for female as well as male children. We have had files for a young child as young as nine months and we have had for an adult as old as in their 60s. We see seldom received files where the perpetrators are females,” the DPP stated.

She explained that as a result of emerging profiles from prosecutions in sexual offences cases in Guyana, the country is indeed responding to the “changing society”, concerning the numbers and

types of sexual offences being committed, and that the new Sexual Offences Act of 2010 is a testimony to this.

“This Act is modern and it looks at new offences compared to the legislation which existed before… since this new legislation, there has been a large increase in a number of cases being reported to the Police, investigated by the Police and being prosecuted. This is very clear from the statistics of prosecutions in the High Court”.

The DPP further explained that the “emerging profile” is that the girl child is being sexually assaulted by both trusted and

stitutions of learning.

“This is a very serious situation and it is very disturbing. It happens to all children regardless of race, culture, or the economic background from which they are. Based on the evidence in these cases, it can be concluded that there are economic and socio-cultural reasons for the increase in the number of offences committed, given the alarming number of offences being committed and given our small population”.

She emphasised that the causes of such vile, criminal conduct being perpetrated by adults on persons with the majority being children need to be addressed collectively and urgently.

“This deviant sexual behaviour affects the victims; this is not healthy for them.

It affects them throughout their lives and consequently, if these persons form our society, it affects the society. It also indicates that the perpetrators are mentally affected, which is causing them to commit these sexual offences so we have these persons who are affected—who are complainants and who are offenders…”

Influx of Haitians into Guyana raises major

health concerns

…as Haiti leads in HIV/AIDS, cholera, TB

H

aiti is among the leading countries for its high statistics on Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and the cholera epidemic, which has brewed serious health concerns after a large influx of its citizens arrived in Guyana in recent times.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the country has the “worst health indicators of the Americas”, with the highest malnutrition, infant mortality, maternal mortality and most importantly, skyrocketing HIV/AIDS figures.

In fact, AIDS is the leading cause of death for adolescents and adults, placing the Caribbean region at second for most affected zones.

It has also worsened the tuberculosis (TB) contraction among citizens. In 2016, an estimation pointed towards 150,000 persons living with the virus – which is equivalent to almost 20 per cent of Guyana’s population.

Other reports from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated that 98 per cent of all pregnant women at Haitian medical facilities tested positive for HIV. “AIDS is the leading cause of death for both adolescents and adults with respectively 5.8 per cent and 21.6 per cent of deaths with specifically defined diagnosis. With an estimated adult HIV prevalence rate of 2.3

per cent, the Caribbean is the second worst-affected region in the world after sub-Saharan Africa,” the WHO stated.

Over the past week, reports suggested that masses of persons have entered the country through the Cheddi Jagan International Airport (CJIA), where provisions were made for them to acquire accommodation at hotels and other boarding houses predominantly within Georgetown. This was backed by photos showing masses of Haitians leaving the airport facilities in buses with their children and spouses.

Through interaction with Guyanese, it is expected that any communicable and non-communicable diseases will spread, raising questions as to the stability of the health sector to cushion increased cases of these illnesses. Moreover, an epidemic could prove deadly for the small population.

The CDC, in a recent report, outlined that the 2010 outbreak in cholera saw over 9000 deaths by 2018. These cases were reduced, but it still remains a public health threat. As of January 2019, there were 3,786 active cases.

“The Haitian government confirmed an outbreak of cholera in October 2010. As of 2018, nearly 820,000 suspected cases and more than 9,000 deaths have been reported….Although cholera

remains a persistent public health threat, cases are down 99 per cent from the peak of the epidemic in 2011”.

Apart from a health crisis, the socioeconomic impact has also raised eyebrows, given the fact that Guyana is now a haven for Venezuelan migrants.

In March of this year, the coalition Government had sought to extend the time that Haitians spend in Guyana to six months.

It noted that under the Immigration Act, Chapter 14:02, amendments were made to “allow Haitian nationals to be entitled to an automatic stay of six months”.

The amendment was made

by Legal Affairs Minister Basil Williams.

This change in the immigration policy came on the heels of the unaccountability of over 3000 Haitians in Guyana. Persons were already complaining about Haitians being employed at

hospitals and in other sectors but being unable to speak proper English, while thousands of Guyanese have lost their jobs.

Figures presented to the National Assembly had shown that Cubans accounted for the largest influx of foreign nationals, followed by Haitians and then Venezuelans after which were Brazilians, Indians, Bangladeshis, Dominicans [from The Dominican Republic] and Chinese.

It was noted that as of April, 2018, a total of 1238 Haitians arrived in Guyana, but only 85 left the country.

In 2017, 3515 Haitian nationals entered Guyana and 291 left, while the year before out of 722 Haitians who came here, only 451 were on record as leaving. There were 770 Haitian nationals who arrived in 2015, 227 in 2014 and 188 in 2013, but only 136, 113 and 99 left the country respectively.

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friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Guyanese celebrate 181 years of Emancipation T

here was a kaleidoscope of colours and mixture of people from all walks of life at the National Park on Thursday as Guyanese turned out in their numbers to celebrate 181 years of Emancipation in unity.

The blue skies were covered with thick clouds for most of the day which kept locals cool as they flowed into the Park to get a glimpse and taste of the rich African culture.

There was obviously the smell of cook-up rice, along with other delicious delicacies.

Besides the attractive colours, the flavours brought to Guyana all the way from Africa were widely celebrated by all walks of life.

People were seen purchasing and indulging in dishes such as conkie, metemgee, and black and white pudding among a number of others.

A few tourists who also visited the park expressed how happy they were to have stopped by with their families. They were seen taking photographs with locals and trying the famous Guyanese cook-up rice with fried fish.

Families were all decked out in matching outfits as they picnicked in the warm afternoon sun, which barely peeked from behind the clouds.

Guyana Times spoke with a member of an extended family as they picnicked in the Park. Merlin Kellman from Vigilance, East Coast Demerara, said she was having a great time with her relatives.

“I’m here with my husband, my daughter-in-law, my son and my mother-in-law.

We all came out to have a grand time and so far we are enjoying ourselves,” she said.

Kellman said she usually visited the Park for the Emancipation celebration, but enjoyed her own cook-up featuring salted beef, pickled pork and even some chicken.

An elderly woman, Pamela Gittens from East Ruimveldt, Georgetown, said she enjoyed herself as she performed a song by the legendary Bob Marley, for the celebratory programme.

Shelly-Ann David, of Diamond Housing Scheme, East Bank Demerara, who was at the Park with her family, stated: “I am here with my mother, my grandson and we are

having a wonderful time. We come out here every year. I just love Emancipation. So far I am enjoying it, especially the food, I love the pepper pot and fancy African dishes”.

While some persons were busy shopping and enjoying the various dishes and items on display, some were busy cooking, as ANSA McAL had its annual cook-up rice competition.

The Brand Coordinator for Chief Products at ANSA McAL, Tammy Ramsay, explained that this year, the competition expanded greatly as over 30 competitors par-

ticipated compared to 13 in their first year.

They were competing for $100,000 in cash in each of the two categories – namely vegetarian and ‘obstacles’ cook-up. In the second category, participants were allowed to add whatever their special ingredients were.

The competition was judged in the afternoon by three judges: Odessia Primus, Head of Carnegie; Ms Lee and Gordon Moseley.

ANSA McAL Managing Director Troy Cadogan said he was extremely proud of the event and the excitement it brought to people from all walks of life.

“We are actually part of all the festivals in Guyana, so we teamed up with ACDA (African Cultural and Development Association)…Cook-up is a very widespread thing

in the Guyanese culture and we felt that cook-up is good and Chief (company), which is our partner, have a cook-up seasoning and they were willing to partner with us,” Cadogan noted.

In another section of the Park was ACDA’s cultural programme during which persons were entertained with songs, dances, poetry and a number of other items.

The delegates for the Miss Emancipation Pageant were also present at the event.

Emancipation is also referred to as Freedom Day in Guyana.

In August 1833, the Slave Emancipation Act was passed, giving all slaves in the British Empire their freedom, albeit after a set period of years. It came into force on August 1, 1834, but it was not until August 1, 1838 after serving a four-year Apprenticeship that enslaved people in the British Caribbean finally gained their freedom.

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14 News Govt distributes 209 land titles to Berbice residents A friday, august 2, 2019| guyanatimesgy.com

total of 209 land titles were distributed to residents of Mount Sinai, New Amsterdam, during an exercise hosted at the Berbice Educational Institute (BEI) on Wednesday. The titles were handed over by Director

General of the Ministry of the Presidency Joseph Harmon and Minister within the Ministry of Communities Annette Ferguson.

“You will see that the distribution of these titles has nothing to do with

which political party you represent, this is a distribution of titles to deserving Guyanese…We’re on the right path…this is not the end because 209 out of 1010 [land titles] is still a far way to go,” Harmon told the gathering.

The distribution exercise is part of an overall Government programme to regularise the community and enhance residents’ quality of life. The Government has already provided infrastructure such as electricity and access to potable water and with the land title distribution, aims to ensure that safe, green spaces are provided for children.

“I would like to see, when I go back into that area again, the children are not playing football on the street; that the little boys are not liming at the sides of the street; that we can provide facilities that will help them to live and to play in safe spaces that a developed country like ours can provide… So the introduction of street lights and lights in the homes, the introduction of water, the development of roads in the community and the fact that we will have to have some other open spaces— parks where your children can play— becomes more important,” Mr Harmon said.

Director General of the Ministry of the Presidency, Joseph Harmon presents a land title to Simon Joseph, a resident of Mount Sinai

“The President has posited that his vision for housing will see a Guyana … where every citizen enjoys the right to housing … he speaks to the issue of reorientation, resources, regularisation and regionalisation… We see the first the coming together in this undertaking,” she noted.

Contrary to the misinformation being published in some sections of the media, Minister Ferguson said the

both house lots and housing units,” she said.

In an invited comment, Deborah Leitch said she has resided in the area for over 25 years and is grateful to finally have possession of her land title.

“Today I must say thank God. I would like to say thanks to the Housing Minister and members of the Government and other persons who would have made it possible, who would have helped me to acquire this title,” she said.

Another resident, Yvonne Mourant, said there have been many developments in the community over the past four years.

“We have a lot of development because we got the water first, and then we got the lights and we are very much proud of it. We’re looking forward now to have drainage and the road,” she said.

Member of Parliament, East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) Barbra Pilgrim; Deputy Mayor of New Amsterdam Wainwright McIntosh; Member of Parliament Donna Mattoo; Minister within the Ministry of Communities Annette Ferguson Regional Executive Officer presents Deborah Leitch with her land title East Berbice-Corentyne (Region Six) Kim Williamsand Chief Meanwhile, Minister Government never aban- Stephen doned the issuing of house Executive Officer (CEO) of Ferguson said the distribution exercise is the real- lots. “What we have em- the Central Housing and isation of President David barked on is to provide a Planning Authority (CHPA) Granger’s vision to provide mixed housing solution … Lelon Saul also attended We are working to provide the ceremony. housing for all.

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friday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Linden business community wants development, investment opportunities in oil and gas

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ith Guyana advancing as an oil and gas nation, the business community in Linden, Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) is hoping to cash in on various economic activities offered throughout the sector.

A number of officials have raised concerns on the “limited” access to economic and investment opportunities, as well as the level of preparedness at the regional levels, relating to the development associated with oil and gas.

Ever since the revelation of oil by ExxonMobil, Linden has been seeking out ways of becoming involved in the sector.

Linden businessman Norvell Fredericks believes that for a country heading into such an era, a higher amount of preparedness is expected at every level.

“With Guyana going into oil and gas in maybe 5 months or so, I would have expected that we would’ve had a much more excited atmosphere...but when you look around everything is so relaxed...setback, it leaves one to wonder if we Guyanese are really going to benefit in any way...For a country going into that vast wealth, as we’re hearing about, I would have expected to see maybe a lot more hotels than just Pegasus going up,” he related.

Fredericks further noted that while there are promises of jobs, there is the question of equity for locals as it relates to getting involved in the oil and gas industry at higher tiers, rather than just providing products and services at a lower tier.

The businessman, like many others in Linden, be-

Norvell Fredericks

lieves that the bauxite-mining community can be developed through the oil and gas sector if its skills and facilities are utilised.

Fredericks pointed to the presently abandoned Linden airstrip which he noted is considered the second longest in the country, as well as its numerous wharves. With the community being strategically located, given its link to other regions, he shared his hope for it to be considered a trans-shipment hub. “...Exxon could have probably been using that airstrip and our port facilities in Linden here, escaping all of the congestion of the city. Things can come in, offload here, trucked to the airstrip and then moved by helicopter or whatever means to their facilities.

I don’t know if Linden has been considered anywhere within those transit links... (but) there’s no congestion in Linden in terms of moving goods from the wharf to that airstrip facility...I think Linden poses some great opportunities in the whole scenario”, the businessman reasoned.

In return, he said businesses can benefit by providing transportation and other logistical services which can contribute to building Linden’s economy, also pointing to prospects for manufacturing.

Businessman Kevin DeJonge also stated that the present atmosphere in Linden is not one which lends itself to proper development. He noted that there are prospects for agriculture and tourism as well as agro-processing and manufacturing.

“I know a lot can come to Linden in terms of boosting the economy and I’m expecting more emphasis to be placed on Linden because Linden is strategically located. It is the only town, of the 10 administrative regions, where you can get access to at least 7 of them. So more opportunities should be created. We have a main river running through our town so what we’re expecting is that all our resources are properly utilised to benefit our people. With that said, however, what I’m afraid of is that we have not been properly preparing for this oil and gas and for what is to come”, DeJonge related.

He said apart from a few Health and Safety training sessions and workshops, there hasn’t been much awareness nor preparedness campaigns. As such, DeJonge made calls for more oil and gas education beginning at the school level and for students to be properly directed into avenues related to the industry. He also called for more focus to be placed on youths, small businesses, and local producers.

Victor Fernandes

DeJonge said that in order for the community to develop, there is need for more private-public sector partnerships, along with meaningful conversations.

He also highlighted the need for collaboration between local government bodies, cooperatives, stakeholders and the Linden Chamber of Industry, Commerce and Development (LCICD).

Once this becomes a reality, he said more people would be attracted to Linden given the access to resources.

Additionally, President of the LCICD Victor Fernandes noted that there is potential as the community possesses the skills.

“I believe the opportunities for oil and gas are tremendous, in that, if prepared for correctly then

there is a lot that can be derived, especially from a community like Linden.

Why? Because Linden is a community that has lots of potential in terms of technical and vocational training.

We’re blessed with a number of persons that would have passed through university and that are skilled and in many cases are underutilised”, he explained.

Fernandes added that there is also room for industrial development in Linden and countless opportunities for investors. In this regard, he said a comprehensive plan is needed with support from all stakeholders on what is needed for the future of Linden.

“With oil and gas and what it has to offer if we are not prepared, Linden could be just another community whereas all the wealth that comes from oil and gas operations in Guyana— the benefits— it could just pass us by if we’re not prepared to absorb it or to capitalise.

It calls for some amount of preparation in terms of creating the environment for investors, so this is one of the things that is a challenge for us”, he said.

Fernandes stated that it would take collaborative planning to achieve this. He said the Linden Chamber has always been a strong advocate for investment in the Region. Fernandes not-

Kevin DeJonge

ed that there have been approaches from investors interested in medium and macro-investments and the Chamber has been trying to get the necessary attention from the relevant authorities responsible for creating an enabling environment.

Fernandes said the hurdles include the slow application process and slow movements of various windows required for investment. He noted that with the development of the oil and gas sector, there will now be more revenue, hence, an increase in probabilities and activities.

According to him, however, there must be an enabling environment.

He said the town has potential which should be realised and materialised into plans and activities which would improve the way of life of its people. (Utamu Belle)

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FRIday, august 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Passport services now being offered at Linden L

indeners and those persons from parts of Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) can now access passport services via the newly-constructed Linden passport office at Retrieve, Mackenzie.

While not officially opened, operational services commenced last week, with a number of persons already taking advantage.

Superintendent Deputy Chief Immigration Officer Ewart Wray, who was present at the facility, noted that the aim is to have persons in Linden aware that services are now being offered at the new office, ahead of the official opening.

He also noted that the office has since ceased all operations from within the Linden branch of the National Insurance Scheme (NIS) building, which had provided renewal and passport upliftment services.

Wray said officials were at the time testing the system of operation to ensure that it was of efficient standards.

“We are here today to have applicants submit their applications for new machine-readable passports. All categories of passports we’re accepting here...

If this is the first time you’re acquiring a passport, you apply here. If you’re

changing from a non-machine-readable passport to a machine-readable passport, you apply here. So, persons from the town of Linden would have no reason to go to our office in Georgetown.

You’re also going to acquire your passport here at this office. So, this is what we’re doing now. Of course, this is not a formal opening of the office, but it still requires everyone to come here”, Wray told this publication.

He added that operations will be conducted from Monday to Friday from 8:00h to 15:00h and applicants will also be required to uplift their passports at the Linden office. Wray boasted that the office is fully equipped with the necessary technology and security and that all systems are in place to facilitate smooth operation.

He highlighted that requirements for applicants seeking to acquire new passports include: a birth certificate, National Identification Card (for adults), $6,000, a passport-sized photograph, and an application form.

The Head of Immigration Services pointed out that while the wait time to acquire a new passport at the central immigration office in Georgetown is 5 working days, it will take 7 working days at the Linden office, since passports are still being produced in Georgetown.

In cases where a new applicant is married, he noted that a female would require a marriage certificate and a copy of her husband’s birth certificate, or the bio-data page of his passport. Wray said the office also caters to other categories of passports— including lost or damaged at a cost of $15,000.

He also alluded that all immigration officers operating from within the Linden office are fully trained and experienced to handle passport services.

“I’m encouraging persons to come across here to have their passports done. I want to reiterate that one does not need to go to the old office where we were operating at the NIS building, they are required to come here”,

Superbet donates to children who lost mother

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UPERBET continues to extend its social obligation as it donates groceries and other items to the struggling children of Sunita Vandyke of Golden Fleece, Essequibo Coast – who died days after one of her eyes being removed. The six children are now left in the care of relatives who only recently pleaded for assistance to sustain them.

After the story was published in Guyana Times, several companies, including Superbet, have come forward to assist. On Tuesday, Nickoli Primo, Kishore Badruddin and Sanjay Mangal of Superbet handed over the items to the aunt, Cindy Vandyke, at her Lot 6, Reliance, Essequibo Coast home.

The aunt was very thankful to Superbet for the timely donation. She explained that the three girl children, including the five-month-old baby, are presently staying with their grandmother in Parika, while she takes care of the three boys.

She related that two of the three boys will be attending school in the new

Members of the SUPERBET team along with two of the children and their aunt

academic year and as such, would be seeking the assistance of the public for uniforms and other school materials. Primo stated that his company was happy to assist the family, while noting the items that were donated to

the family cost over $80,000.

This he added, included groceries, diapers, baby supplies and other items.

He encouraged other businesses to come forward and donate to the family in need.

Wray reiterated.

He further pointed out that the commencement of services at Linden is expected to reduce the number of persons visiting the central office for new passports.

“We are experiencing a reduction in the number of persons since we would have started operating in New Amsterdam and we do expect the same as we start operating here...we have the

capacity to deliver the necessary service to the public...”, the Head of Immigration Services added.

He said persons can expect hassle-free services once all the requirements are met as he cited commitment in ensuring a timely service.

“We believe that we are providing a service to Guyanese citizens who are required to have pass-

ports. We are here to ensure that they understand what the requirements are.

Providing they fulfil those requirements, there is no difficulty in them acquiring a passport. So, we’re going to ensure that persons get their passports in a timely manner”, Wray stressed.

He also said that other services would be announced when the office is formally opened.

1st batch of PCAs in Region 10 completes 6-month training

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence and other officials pose with the graduates

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he first batch of 54 Patient Care Assistants (PCAs) for Region 10 (Upper Demerara-Berbice) recently graduated following a six-month training exercise which saw a 100 per cent pass rate. The ceremony was held at the Watooka Complex, Mackenzie, where the graduates and other health professionals were awarded for their successful performances.

Public Health Minister Volda Lawrence congratulated the graduates, noting that she was extremely proud as she alluded to the achievement of one hundred per cent pass rate.

“I am anticipating the boost that you would give to your community...because I know that your deployment will be right here among your very own people...I want to take assurance from that, that people of Region 10 can look forward, with anticipation and confidence, to a higher level of care. I want to also believe that the other levels of professionals whom you will work with can look forward, with anticipation, to pass on to you, if you are humble enough, their knowledge and their experience so that your Region can be a better Region on the health scale” Minister Lawrence stated.

The Minister also urged the graduates to look deeper into the meaning of care, noting that it also encom-

passes empathy, sympathy, understanding, sensitivity and much more.

She further cautioned them to remain humble and show commitment and to continue to elevate to higher levels.

“You are now part of the Public Health Sector, where the operative and motivational words are, ‘delivery of healthcare services of the highest quality to all people’”, the Minister noted as she urged the graduates to treat all patients with the highest level of respect.

She further urged that they bring humility, patience and professionalism to their work environment as they have a pivotal role to play.

The Minister further urged the graduating team to utilise their skills to the best of their ability, lead by example, and to be motivating factor. She also complimented six of the graduating PCAs who hailed from Kwakwani.

Programme Coordinator Donette Mingo, in her report, said the objective was not only to train persons to be gainfully employed, but to improve their self-esteem, hence, improvement in their living standards.

She said it bridges the gap between qualified nursing personnel and patients in providing quality nursing care and maintain positive impact on the Health Sector.

Mingo noted that while

the challenges were many, general improvement was noted with great satisfaction yielding 100 per cent pass rates. The scores, she noted, ranged from 89 per cent to 53 per cent overall with 12 students gaining 90 per cent in practical and 8 students gaining 85 per cent in theory.

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Linden Hospital Complex (LHC) Dr Farouk Riyasat in his remarks urged the graduates to continue to research and upgrade themselves and reminded them to always follow the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) for nursing practices.

In a charge to the graduates, Dr Mandy LaFleur challenged them to perform their duties in a professional manner and to always uplift the code of ethics— both in and out of the working environment. She also urged them to be agents of positive change and to be innovative in enhancing their place of work.

Dr LaFleur further urged that they develop and maintain an inquisitive mind so that new knowledge can be generated, as well as to rise to the challenge of continuous inquiry and higher academic excellence.

A number of PCAs were awarded for their outstanding performances in various categories. Almanta Thompson was named valedictorian.

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FRIday, AUGUST 2, 2019 | guyanatimesgy.com

Texila University launches Indo-Caribbean Society website

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he Texila American University on Wednesday evening officially launched their Indo-Caribbean Society’s (ICS) website, which is expected to unify Caribbean interests by fostering collaborative action between organisations and businesses.

The society was initiated

by Texila’s team and interest groups from Caribbean regions, mainly from Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

The idea for the formation of the society came in response to queries of ways in formulating tangible links to India and its diaspora outside of the mainstream connections.

The society was envisioned in 2018 with the mission to unify and advance Indo Caribbean interest by fostering joint and collaborative action among different people, organisations and businesses.

The society aims to create awareness about the heritage between India and Caribbean communities, es-

pecially among the younger generation. Furthermore, the society aims to promote goodwill, friendship and unity among the Indian and Caribbean communities, and to organise social, economic, health and cultural activities to achieve the goals and objectives of the society.

ICS will focus on the following areas: cultural community, research and edu-

cation, youth engagement, business networking and workshops, seminars, conferences and exhibitions.

Speaking at the launching of the website, Chief Speaker Dr George Norton welcomed the initiative, noting that it is coming at a time when social integration around the world is increasing.

“At a time when social integration is becoming more

ERC reflects on slavery during Emancipation observance

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he Ethic Relations Commission (ERC) on Wednesday hosted its annual Emancipation Day celebration.

The celebration programme, full of pomp and vigour, involved reflection into the history of AfroGuyanese, while the audience was entertained by folk songs, stories, dancing and drumming.

A standout entertainment piece featured a poem composed and recited by employee of the Commission, Octavia Walcott, which journeyed into the struggles of then enslaved Africans to their being liberated today.

The Black Royalty Dance Group brought the energy as they moved to the sounds of the African drums. With faces tribally painted, and decked out in the tradition wear and colours of their African ancestors, the dancers and lone drummer entertained with their unique moves and twirls.

Staff of the Commission then led the signing of folk songs which included Small Days, Bamboo Fiyah, and Morning Neigbour, among others, and the audience joined in the singing.

C o m m i s s i o n e r Barrington Braithwaite, in his delivery, briefly told the story of the Africans; who, according to him, are a people of great history. He expressed an opinion that Emancipation was just a timeline which saw the beginning of real struggle.

“The real struggle began after Emancipation.

The struggle to survive and to create space economically and culturally in a world dominated by, and controlled by, the plantocracy was con-

prevalent globally, the establishment of this society seems most appropriate… as hospitable as Caribbean people are, Indian nationals coming to the Caribbean will still encounter notable cultural differences, and I believe that this society can provide the requisite guidance for the smooth and comfortable transition, especially for youths and students seeking to settle in these parts,” Dr Norton said.

Moreover, Norton expressed his delight with the aim of ICS, which is to unify and advance Caribbean interests.

“Collaboration is key.

Partnering and fostering

good relations with different people is noble,” Dr Norton said.

Also delivering remarks was the newly appointed Chairman of the Private Sector Commission, Captain Gerry Gouveia, who also welcomed the launch, and said that any business-to-business organisation is appreciated at a time when Guyana and its people are preparing for a new economic boom.

“As I look at some of the goals and objectives of this organisation, it actually speaks to business-to-business. In a country like ours, I believe everyday our leaders must think of how do we create jobs for our young people. We have thousands of young people graduating from the University of Guyana every year, and the big challenge is how do we create jobs for them -- proper paying jobs that will allow them to live their lives with dignity and pride and self-esteem? And we don’t have to continue the tradition of losing our young and educated people, and so we have to create that environment; and so this society is a good thing, because we are talking about business-to-business,” the PSC Chair remarked.

Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) President, Nicholas

Dr George Norton

Boyer, shared similar sentiments and noted that India has a lot to offer Guyana.

“I think that this initiative by Texila is one that we should really think of as important; because, as a large democracy and world economic power, India has much to offer us; from information technology, services, manufacturing and agriculture, there is much that we could learn,” Boyer said.

Following the launch, recognition was given to several contributors and sponsors of the website, including Ravi Dev, Attorneyat-Law Nigel Hughes, and Vishnu Doerga of ActionCoach Guyana.

Guyana Goldfields AGM rekindles resistance to unionisation – workers

…workers hint at another protest action

Members of staff of ERC performing an item on Wednesday

trolled by planters and merchants,” Braithwaite reflected.

“They (Africans) saved money. They used to bring to town every Sunday, (which) was market day, and they would bring oranges and limes…they took that money and saved it, and were able to buy those villages when the time came, because their ultimate goal was to create housing and liberation and detachment from the plantation; so they went into business,” he told the audience.

“However, the villagers were told, and demanded, that they should pay taxes for the colony to enact drainage. The (colonial) masters took the taxes and funded Indentureship, in the benefit of the planters…The businesses that Africans had created, the plantocracy decided that they were going to work towards destroying them and replace them by the indentured peoples, Portuguese, so that the African would go back, out of need, to work on the plantations at reduced cost.

“Emancipation brought into force a whole new cycle

of struggle…Emancipation was just a timeline, an important timeline, but had struggles,” Braithwaite disclosed.

Emancipation Day in Guyana is observed on August 1st and commemorates the abolition of slavery in Guyana in 1834.

Once slavery was finally abolished in 1834, Guyana’s economy and social structure underwent radical changes. Many former slaves left the plantations and populated villages outside of Georgetown and the main cities, or even went inland to settle the frontier.

Guyanese use the day to dress up in traditional African attire, which is no longer worn by the vast majority of the population.

Guyana’s largest Emancipation Day festival is held at the National Park in Georgetown, where traditional music can be heard throughout the day.

Exhibits of African cultural customs will be on display, while singing, dancing, and drumming would occur, with the highlight being the delicious African-style cuisine.

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lthough workers attached to Aurora Gold Mine (AGM) had placed confidence in their employer to have them unionised, this conception was short-lived following a recent meeting.

The workers informed Guyana Times that the company engaged the Labour Department and reportedly stated that its workers no longer require a union.

A document was signed by workers in regards to their payments but they believe it is being used to peddle the misinformation that they do not want to be unionised.

With these hindrances in meeting their demands, the miners have displayed no hesitation in resorting to another standoff.

“I think we might be heading to another stand down here at AGM. Reasons being that the company gave

all assurance that they will comply with the labour laws of this country as it relates to workers being represented by a union of their choice, yet [the company]…stated that the workers no longer want a union and some workers who are not management can’t be unionised,” the miner expressed.

“We have over 300 signed forms from workers which amounts to well over 40 per cent of AGM staff. Outside of that, we signed a form for our pay statement and they’re using that to say that the workers signed a document stating that they don’t want a union. We have signed no such document,” he added.

Workers of the mining company have long called for representation by a recognised union to fight for better wages and working conditions. Strike actions initiated earlier this year and was finally resolved af-

ter the Canadian-based company promised to meet demands.

Presently, the workers stated that they still desire to be unionised and have inked their signatures to that effect.

After operations were restored last month, workers were granted their second quarterly bonus and the company further committed towards progress on unionisation, compensation and other issues that were raised when the workers initiated strike actions.

A letter was issued to employees granting the second quarterly bonus of 7.6 per cent on July 25, while asserting that the formula for the next bonus will be reviewed. However, most of these promises are yet to be fulfilled. Attempts to contact officials of AGM for a comment on the matter proved futile.

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guyanatimesgy.com

Friday, august 2, 2019

Around the World

Venezuelan Government, T&T Opposition backs Bail Bill Opposition reopen Barbados talks

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epresentatives for Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó reopened talks in Barbados on Wednesday to resolve the country's political crisis.

Three weeks ago during previous talks in Barbados, the rival factions agreed to set up a platform for negotiations mediated by Norway, where the first talks were held in May. "We've started another round of meetings under the Oslo mechanism," Guaidó 's envoy and legislator Stalin Gonzalez tweeted.

Venezuela's Vice President Delcy Rodriguez confirmed in a news conference that Maduro representatives had travelled to Barbados to meet the Opposition.

Later in the day, Maduro said in a televised address that the ruling party was aiming to establish a "platform of permanent dialogue" with the Opposition, and proposed bringing in businessmen and social

Opposition Leader Juan Guaidó (left) and President Nicolás Maduro

movements.

Crisis-wracked Venezuela has been mired in a political impasse since January when Guaidó proclaimed himself acting president, quickly receiving the support of more than 50 countries.

The oil-rich, cash-poor country has been in a deep recession for five years.

Shortages of food and medicine are frequent, and public services are progressively failing.

Around a quarter

of Venezuela's 30 million-strong population are in need of aid, according to the United Nations, while 3.3 million people have left the country since the start of 2016.

Guaidó and the Opposition accused Maduro of having rigged the 2018 poll that saw him re-elected, and they describe the socialist leader as a "usurper".

They want him to stand down so new elections can be held. (Excerpt from AFP)

major boost in the Police’s anti-crime arsenal is expected to unfold following Wednesday night’s passage of the Bail (Amendment) Bill, which was surprisingly supported by the Opposition.

Both sides from the House of Representatives came together in a rare show of unity to pass the legislation.

It was passed around 19:25h by a total of 32 votes – 22 Government MPs and 10 United National Congress (UNC) MPs present.

The positive outcome came during the final stage of Wednesday’s special Parliament sitting to debate the Bill – and after several days of lobbying by Government to sway public support.

The Government had called Parliament out of recess to debate the Bill.

At the height of the recent crime crisis, the Police Service had requested the seven clause bill to lock away repeat offenders blamed for

Opposition Members of Parliament, from left, Rodney Charles, Suruj Rambachan, Fazal Karim and Bhoe Tewarie during the debate in Parliament, on Wednesday

the sudden spike in gang-related murders.

The provision of the legislation restricts bail for 120 days if someone has a conviction for serious offences and is charged for one of them again. Bail will also be restricted if someone is charged for a serious offence, is out on bail and gets charged for the same category of offence.

Offences include those

which carry a penalty of 10 years’ jail concerning the Offences Against the Person Act; Dangerous Drugs Act; Kidnapping Act; Sexual Offences (against child) Act; Sexual Offences Act; and the Anti-Terrorism, Trafficking in Persons and Firearms Acts. Culprits will have to prove “exceptional circumstances” where they feel should get bail. (Excerpt from Trinidad

"meaningful" talks with the US. After a closed-door meeting at the United Nations Security Council, the countries said international sanctions need to be fully enforced until Pyongyang had dismantled its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.

The launches happened at 02:59 (17:59 GMT Thursday) and 03:23 local time from the Yonghung area in South Hamgyong province into the Sea of Japan, also known as the East Sea, according to South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff

(JCS).

The area appears to be a launch site that has not been used before, said Ankit Panda, adjunct senior fellow at the Federation of American Scientists.

"Another theme of the Kim Jong-un era in addition to frequent night-time launching: launching from previously unused/less-used sites."

Speaking at the White House, US President Donald Trump said he was not worried about the recent launches as they were short-range missiles and "very standard". (Excerpt from BBC News)

Guardian)

North Korea launches US special agents lead human 3rd “projectile” in 8 days trafficking training for C'bean law enforcement officials

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he United States Customs and Enforcement (ICE) agency says special agents and victim assistance specialists with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) have led two weeklong human trafficking and child exploitation trainings for law enforcement counterparts from several Latin American and Caribbean countries at the International Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) in El Salvador.

Some of the participating countries included The Bahamas, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cayman Islands, Jamaica,

Dominican Republic, and El Salvador, ICE said.

According to ICE, the trainings were designed to help participating law enforcement officers, agents, Prosecutors and Judges understand the crimes of sex trafficking/forced labour and child exploitation/sexual child abuse and how to work these types of cases.

“The ICE HSI delegations not only provided insight into each crime, but also discussed the challenges they face when investigating and prosecuting human trafficking and child exploitation cases in the United States,” ICE said.

Marc Tetzlaff, Victim

Assistance Specialist with ICE HSI Phoenix, Arizona, said victims of trafficking and exploitation have “specific needs that must be addressed for them to feel safe and comfortable to interact with law enforcement and the judicial system”.

The main objectives of the trainings were for attendees to learn new methods to investigate these crimes, in addition to gaining a better understanding of the trauma that victims encounter when they are victimised and how the trauma can impact victims' interactions with law enforcement. (Excerpt from CMC)

US to slap 10% tariff on US$300B more in Chinese goods — Trump

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S President Donald Trump announced Thursday he would hit China with punitive tariffs on another US$300 billion in goods, escalating the trade war after accusing Beijing of reneging on more promises.

The 10 per cent duties will take effect September 1, and come on top of the 25 per cent tariffs on US$250 billion in imports – meaning Trump now has targeted virtually all of the US$500 billion in goods America buys from China every year.

Trump said on Twitter that Beijing had agreed "to buy agricultural product from the US in large quantities but did not do so".

"Additionally, my friend

US President Donald Trump (file photo)

President Xi said that he would stop the sale of fentanyl to the United States – this never happened, and many Americans continue to die!" Trump said, referring to the highly potent and ad-

dictive opioid.

After resuming faceto-face talks in Shanghai this week, trade negotiators were set to reconvene in Washington in early September for another round of discussions, just after the new tariffs are put in place.

Wall Street dove into the red following Trump's announcement, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average down 0.6 per cent toward 1800 GMT. Even so, Trump seemed upbeat: "We look forward to continuing our positive dialogue with China on a comprehensive trade deal, and feel that the future between our two countries will be a very bright one!" (Excerpt from AFP)

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orth Korea has fired an unidentified short-range projectile twice, South Korean officials say, in the country's third weapons test in just over a week.

The launches happened in an area on the country's eastern coast early on Friday.

They are seen as a reaction to planned military exercises between South Korea and the US due this month.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom, France and Germany have called on North Korea to engage in

Houthi attack kills more than 30 in Yemen's Aden, Saudi blames Iran

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emen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement launched missile and drone attacks on Thursday on a military parade in Aden, the seat of Government and a stronghold of the Saudi-led military coalition, killing 36 people according to the Interior Ministry.

An explosion hit a military camp belonging to the Yemeni Security Belt forces backed by the United Arab Emirates, which is a member of the Westernbacked coalition battling the Houthis, a Reuters witness said.

Soldiers screamed and ran to lift the wounded and place them on trucks. Red berets lay on the ground in pools of blood as several soldiers cried near the body of a commander who was a leading figure among southern separatists.

Yemen’s Prime Minister Maeen Abdulmalik Saeed

Soldiers carry the injured following a missile attack on a military parade during a graduation ceremony for newly-recruited troopers in Aden, Yemen, August 1, 2019

and Saudi Arabia’s envoy to Yemen accused Iran of being behind the parade attack and a separate blast at a police station, also in the southern port city on Thursday, involving an explosives-laden car.

No one has claimed re-

sponsibility for the other attack which the Interior Ministry statement said killed 13 Policemen. Past car attacks in Yemen have been carried out by Islamist militant group al Qaeda, one of Yemen’s many destabilising forces. (Excerpt from Reuters)

friday, august 2, 2019

19

Smith’s magnificent return leads Australia’s fightback S

teven Smith finished the last Ashes series having scored 687 runs in seven innings so, really, there was little surprise that he began the next contest in similar vein. Except, of course, for everything that has happened since. He marked his return to Test cricket after 16 months with one of his finest hands, lifting Australia from an almost down-and-out 122 for 8 - with considerable help from the tail - to a position from which they could consider themselves ahead of the game, psychologically if nothing else.

Having gone to 98 with a six off Moeen Ali then tucking a single, a drive through the covers against Ben Stokes from his 183rd delivery brought up his 24th Test hundred - and it was no ordinary milestone. The emotions came flooding out as he celebrated then tried to compose himself with a few deep breaths and a look to the sky, taking in the applause along with a few remaining and largely foolish-sounding boos.

He had been beaten early on by the excellent Stuart Broad - most batsmen would have been - but once he settled there was barely a moment when he did not look in control despite the many problems of his team-mates, although was thankful for the DRS on 34 when he was given lbw playing no shot at Broad. By the end he was flaying England’s bowlers to all corners of (Fortress) Edgbaston including a monstrous, dismissive swing over the leg side off Broad three balls before he finally missed to end one of the great Test innings.

Away from the personal landmarks and epic backstory he had turned around Australia’s day in partnership with Peter Siddle, who earned the final place in the XI ahead of Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon. The last two wickets added 162 with Siddle contributing a superbly constructed 44, in a stand that firstly frustrated England and then began to deflate them, before Smith dominated the last-wicket alliance of 74 in 13 overs with Lyon which left them

looking forlorn.

While Broad and Chris Woakes had done so much to put England in command, the absence of James Anderson to a recurrence of the calf injury he sustained in the lead-up to the series hurt in the final session.

Anderson only managed four overs before leaving the field for the first time and by lunch was already off for a scan. With Stokes below his best, Joe Root suddenly didn’t appear to have many options to turn to. It was probably not Plan A, B, or C to use Joe Denly’s legspin with Australia eight down.

Root had not been unhappy to lose the toss and the challenge to Australia’s top order was clear inside the first couple of overs. While Smith’s Test comeback would go on to take the headlines, David Warner’s stay was a bizarre affair. He edged his first ball from Broad down the leg side but it wasn’t spotted by umpire Aleem Dar (the first of a host of errors for the onfield officials) and England didn’t review. Then they did review for an lbw that was going over before Broad won a decision off Dar that was missing leg stump. And that was all before the end of fourth over.

Cameron Bancroft, who was handed a nine-month ban compared to the year for Warner and Smith, was worked over by Broad before edging low to first slip and when England successfully reviewed for a thin edge by Usman Khawaja shortly after drinks it was 35 for 3.

Travis Head enjoyed a promising first season in the Test side as the post-Newlands rebuilding began and looked in good order as he made the bowlers come to him before working off the pads.

However, five overs after lunch, Woakes swung one back to win a leg before and did the same to end Matthew Wade’s first Test innings

3

SCOREBOARD Steve Smith hits a brutal six on the way to his 24th test century (The Guardian)

in two years - although the latter, again, needed recourse to the third umpire.

England, and especially Broad, could not believe their luck when Tim Paine pulled a short delivery straight to deep square leg - it wasn’t quite 60 all out or Stokes’ Trent Bridge catch, but the #Broadface made an appearance - and two balls later James Pattinson was given lbw to one which replays showed was sliding down leg. By then it was hard to keep up with what should and shouldn’t have been out.

When Pat Cummins offered no shot to a booming Stokes inswinger Australia had lost 5 for 23 in 11 overs and were heading for something very similar to the 136 they were bundled out for in the 2015 Test at this ground. That was the point in the series, level at 1-1, where it swung England’s way

Australia 1st Innings CT Bancroft c Root b Broad

8 DA Warner lbw b Broad 2 UT Khawaja c †Bairstow b Woakes 13 SPD Smith b Broad 144 TM Head lbw b Woakes 35 MS Wade lbw b Woakes 1 TD Paine (c) † c Burns b Broad 5 JL Pattinson lbw b Broad 0 PJ Cummins lbw b Stokes 5 PM Siddle c Buttler b Ali 44 NM Lyon not out 12 Extras (lb 13, w 2) 15 TOTAL (80.4 Overs, RR: 3.52) 284 all out Fall of wickets: 1-2 (David Warner, 3.5 ov), 2-17 (Cameron Bancroft, 7.3 ov), 3-35 (Usman Khawaja, 14.2 ov), 4-99 (Travis Head, 32.4 ov), 5-105 (Matthew Wade, 34.6 ov), 6-112 (Tim Paine, 39.4 ov), 7-112 (James Pattinson, 39.6 ov), 8-122 with considerable haste. Being skittled out early this time could have opened up some old wounds.

Smith hadn’t even reached fifty by this point and when he quietly acknowledged that milestone off 119 balls it seemed like being not much more than a face-saver in the bigger picture. But Siddle, who has averaged over 30 for Essex this season, showed that he has learnt about batting against the moving Dukes ball (Paine will hope the bowling follows tomorrow) having been saved by the DRS before scoring when he was given lbw to Woakes despite a thick inside edge.

At times early on he scored more freely than Smith, who was intent

(Pat Cummins, 43.6 ov), 9-210 (Peter Siddle, 67.2 ov), 10-284 (Steven Smith, 80.4 ov) BOWLING JM Anderson (4-3-1-0) SCJ Broad (22.4-4-86-5) CR Woakes (21-2-58-3) BA Stokes (18-1-77-1) MM Ali (13-3-42-1) JL Denly (2-1-7-0) England 1st Innings RJ Burns not out 4 JJ Roy not out 6 Extras 0 TOTAL (2 Overs, RR: 5.0) 10-0 Yet to bat: JE Root (c), JL Denly, JC Buttler, BA Stokes, JM Bairstow †, MM Ali, CR Woakes, SCJ Broad, JM Anderson BOWLING PJ Cummins (1-0-3-0) JL Pattinson (1-0-7-0) on seeing through the innings, and showed some deft placement until he lunged forward at Moeen and inside-edged to short leg. For a few balls it appeared Smith would try to slog his way to a century, but Lyon has a solid technique and did not let his former captain down.

The timing of Smith’s dismissal meant two overs for England’s openers to face. With no nightwatchman this time, Rory Burns and Jason Roy got through but Australia were the buoyant side with plenty more plaudits for Smith as he left the field again.

There is one indisputably great Test batsman on show in this series. It’s very early days, but he could be the difference. (Cricinfo)

20

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

friday, august 2, 2019

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown…

akers officially add Kidd to coaching staff

Finalists to be decided tonight

Jason Kidd The penultimate night will prove crucial to the remaining eight squads

T

he National Cultural Centre tarmac will tonight be the battleground for quarterfinal and semi-final action in the Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Georgetown Championships.

The opening quarterfinal match will be a clash of former champions as Broad Street oppose Leopold Street at 19:00hrs. Afterwards, Albouystown ‘B’ take aim at Back Circle, from 19:45hrs.

In the third quarterfinal match, tournament giants Sparta Boss lock horns with Sophia at 20:30hrs, while defending champions Gold is Money match skills with Tiger Bay from 21:45hrs.

Respective winners of the aforesaid matches will advance to the semi-final round. The grand finale is slated to occur at the Jubilee Park Tarmac on August 3rd.

According to an official correspondence from tournament coordinator Three Peat Promotions, “All systems are in place for a thrilling night of action, and the hope is that the weath-

er remains favourable, which will aid producing quality football for both the players and fans. A large crowd is expected at the venue due to the quality of teams that are competing.”

The release further said, “The Guinness ‘Greatest of the Streets’ Championship is a benchmark for local football, and everyone wants to carve their name on the proverbial trophy. With each year, the quality increases as teams vie for what has become the most coveted title in the land.

“As the Sparta Boss talisman emphatically said, ‘Guinness is the World Cup of local football’. This cements the legacy and overall impact that the tournament has had on the footballing culture, especially amongst the communities.”

Winner of the event will collect $500,000 and the championship tro-

phy, as well as an automatic place in the National Championship.

The second, third and fourth place finishers will collect $300,000, $200,000 and $100,000 respectively, together with the corresponding trophy.

The National Championships start on August 9th at the Jubilee Park Tarmac. The two-day event, which features 15 teams, will end on August 10 at the same venue.

The teams that have sealed automatic berths to the event are Gold is Money [National Champion], Beacons [Bartica Champion], Melanie ‘B’ [East Coast Demerara winner], Brothers United [West Demerara/East Bank Demerara winner], Trafalgar [Berbice champion] and High Rollers [Linden champion]. Below are the quarterfinal fixtures.

H

all of Fame point guard and former NBA head coach Jason Kidd joined the Los Angeles Lakers’ coaching staff, the team announced.

The Lakers formally announced new coach Frank Vogel’s staff on Wednesday, which also includes former NBA head coach Lionel Hollins.

Also named as Vogel’s assistant coaches are Phil Handy, Miles Simon, former Lakers guard Mike Penberthy and Quinton Crawford. Simon is the only assistant who was part of former coach Luke Walton’s staff.

“I could not be more excited about the group we’ve assembled,” said Vogel in a news release. “Each of these guys brings a unique set of skills and experiences that will greatly impact the success of our players, as we look to build a championship-caliber team.”

Kidd joins the Lakers after head coaching stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. He was fired by the Bucks in January 2018. Kidd, 45, ended his playing career in 2013 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018. He was the second overall pick by the Dallas Mavericks in 1994.

Hollins, 65, spent four seasons with the Memphis Grizzlies and replaced Kidd as the Nets’ head coach after the 2013-14 season. He was fired by the Nets in January 2016.

The Lakers also added Greg St. Jean, Dru Anthrop and Jon Pastorek as player development coaches with additional responsibilities.

Los Angeles went 37-45 last season. The Lakers have not made the playoffs since the 2012-13 season. (Reuters)

Arsenal sign Lille winger for club record fee

A

rsenal have signed Ivory Coast winger Nicolas Pepe from Lille for a club record fee of £72m.

The 24-year-old has signed a five-year contract at Emirates Stadium after having a medical on Tuesday.

Pepe scored 35 goals in 74 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille, who he joined from Angers in 2017.

“Being here is very emotional,” said Pepe. “I have come a long way and struggled a lot and so signing for this great club is a big reward.”

He becomes the fourth most expensive signing in Premier League history after Manchester United duo Paul Pogba (£89m) and Romelu Lukaku (£75m), and Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk (£75m).

Pepe added: “It was im-

portant to make the right decision and I am convinced that Arsenal is the right choice.”

Who is £72M Arsenal signing Pepe?

During the 201819 Ligue 1 season, only Paris St-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe had more combined goals and assists than Pepe, who will wear the number 19 shirt for Arsenal.

“Nicolas is a highly rated and talented winger who was wanted by many of the top teams in Europe,” said Gunners boss Unai Emery.

“Signing a top-class winger has been one of our key objectives in this transfer window and I’m delighted he’s joining.

“He will add pace, power and creativity, with the aim of bringing more goals to our team.”

Pepe was the second player to be confirmed as leaving Lille on Thursday, with Portugal Under-21 forward Rafael Leao joining AC Milan earlier in the day for £27m.

It means Lille have now sold £135m worth of players during the current transfer window, with Thiago Mendes and Youssouf Kone joining Lyon for £19.8m and £8.1m respectively and Anwar El Ghazi making his loan deal at Aston Villa permanent in an £8.1m deal.

In comparison, they have spent £42.4m on bringing players in this summer, with Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen’s move from Belgian side RSC Charleroi their biggest expenditure at £10.8m.

Lille finished second in Ligue 1 last season, 16 points behind champions PSG. (BBC Sport)

guyanatimesgy.com

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21

Holder needs to show Warner takes who is boss ─ Ambrose TTFA to court W for US$2.4M

indies bowling legend Curtly Ambrose admits he has an issue with a lack of aggression from current captain Jason Holder but believes the Barbadian remains the best man for the job.

The 27-year-old all-rounder has been in the post since 2015 but has come under heavy pressure in recent weeks, following a dismal performance for the team at ICC World Cup. Managing just a single win, which came against Pakistan, the regional team finished ninth out of 10 teams.

While the outspoken Ambrose insisted that Holder needed to be more assertive in the post, the pace bowler pointed out that there was a lack of suitable replacements available.

“When you look at the resources it is a very short list so what are your options?

You have Jason Holder, you got Kraigg Brathwaite who is his deputy and who are the others who lead or have led before? Hetmyer led the under-19s so maybe he is one to look at in the future once he can cement himself and get going but there is nobody really. The list is very short so we can’t just give a guy captaincy … because we need to be very careful. I think Jason should just continue for now and then we see what happens,”

Former CONCACAF President Jack Warner

F

Windies Captain Jason Holder and Curtly Ambrose

Ambrose told Antiguan radio show Good Morning Jojo.

“I think he has improved from when he started, so let’s be real, but my thing with Jason Holder is that I think is he may not be aggressive enough as a leader. I think he is a little too laid back because when

you’re captain you’re a leader and people should recognize right away that he’s the leader. When you look at the West Indies team you’re not sure who the leader is, so Jason needs to, maybe, be more authoritative or just have some kind of presence so you know that he is the man in charge,” he said.

ormer CONCACAF president Jack Warner has launched legal proceedings against the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA) in relation to loans incurred during the period he served as advisor to the association.

According to reports, Warner is suing the football body with the hope of recovering a sum somewhere in the region of US$2.4m. Based on filings, Warner claims the sum was accrued over the course of 15 years.

The loans are believed to be directly related to the TTFA’s expenses during a period that spanned the national team’s successful qualification to the 2006 World Cup. Warner’s legal claim states that the TTFA has always acknowledged the debts but never repaid them.

“These accounts were published after the date of both letters from president Raymond Tim Kee, who had on two separate occasions acknowledged the debt to the claimant…

At no time did the claimant inform the defendant that they were no longer under an obligation to repay the debt.”

Warner is seeking repayment of the aforementioned US$2.4m plus interest. The former FIFA official was recently at the centre of a lawsuit filed in New York court on behalf of regional football body CONCACAF. On that occasion, the judge ruled that the former official pay a US$79 million penalty stemming from the FIFA bribery scandal.

(Sportsmax)

Improved road team India Jamaica centre Samuels signs will be more than handful with Trilogy for new Big 3 season for Windies ─ Bishop

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Ian Bishop

indies legend turned commentator Ian Bishop has warned that the India unit is a much-improved team on the road and will be formidable foes despite playing in the Caribbean.

Despite being the world’s top-ranked Test team India has been known to struggle away from home on occasion.

The Asian team has won eight of its last 10 Test matches, with both losses coming away to England and South Africa.

India did, however, defeat the West Indies 2-0 in the last Test series in the Caribbean in 2016.

"India know their home conditions so well. India have become the powerhouse that has played better overseas in recent years. They were very competitive in England last summer, defeated Australia in Australia last year for the first time. No doubt Australia were without their two key players, but that just says India were traveling better," Ian Bishop was quoted as saying by IANS. The former fast bowler believes that the only way for the regional team to have a chance is for the team’s top batsmen to come to the party.

"West Indies will hope that Roston Chase, who is integral as a batsman to their course, and Shai Hope and all these guys put their foot down and say ok, the pitches at home have been challenging to bat on for everyone, but we have played two seasons now on this. So, we need to start and set down marks on scoring hundreds," Bishop said. (Sportsmax)

Jamaica centre Samardo Samuels

F

ormer Cleveland Cavalier big man Samardo Samuels is expected to return to United States to join the Big 3 basketball league.

The professional 3-on-3 league founded in part by rapper Ice Cube has been attracting several former NBA players since its inception in 2017. The move will see Samuels, the former Louisville centre, return to play basketball in the United State for the first time since 2013.

The 6’9, 270-pound big man signed for the Cavaliers in 2010 after going undrafted

but failed to hold down a spot despite playing for three years with the Cavaliers.

Since then the much-traveled Jamaican, who has had a tumultuous past several years, had plied his trade all over the globe.

The 30-year-old has stints in the NBA Development League, Israel, Italy, Spain, China, Italy again, Belgrade, and France.

Samuels is expected to join the Trilogy where he has been drafted to replace Patrick O’Bryant. The competition’s eight-game regular season is scheduled to get underway on August 3. (Sportsmax)

22

friday, august 2, 2019

GUYANATIMESgy.COM

Holder’s 5-for highlights 2nd day ─ Windies A in trouble at 12-4

I

n the 2nd unofficial test between West Indies ‘A’ and India ‘A’, being played at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad and Tobago, the hosts have shockingly found themselves in proverbial hot water at conclusion of the second day’s play.

Starting Day 2 on 2435, Raymond Reifer and Shane Dowrich continued their cautious batting early into the morning session; but Reifer fell for 27 off the bowling of Mohammed Siraj in the 92nd over, and despite holding on for 9.2 overs in the day, Dowrich was bowled by Mayank Markande for 36.

This then brought Rahkeem Cornwall to the crease, and with that an assault on the Indian bowling. The burly batsman went on the attack as wickets began to fall around him, and he blasted an unbeaten 56 from 70 balls that included 6 boundaries and 3 maximums. His efforts propelled the Windies ‘A’ to 318 runs scored in 113 overs.

Bowling for India ‘A’,

Mahammed Siraj returned figures of 3-63, Mayank Markande 3-79, Sandeep Warrier 2-77, Shivam Dube 1-40 and Krishnappa Gowtham 1-49.

With a respectable total set before them, India ‘A’ started their morning in horren-

dous fashi o n , p a c er Chemar Holder wrecking the Indian top order to reduce them to 10-4.

He snagged the wickets of Mayank Argawal, Abhimanyu Easwaran, Hanuma Vihari and Anmolpreet Singh before they lost their fifth wicket in the 12th over when Reifer struck to remove the Chemar Holder bagged 5-54

outof-form Srikar Bharat for seven.

However, opener Priyank Panchal and Dube stuck around, and dug deep into the recesses of their expertise to produce a 100-run partnership in which both batsmen went past the 50run mark. In the process, they exhausted the Windies’ bowling effort, which seemed to hit a rough patch as it failed to trouble the well set batsmen.

But just as the Windies were seemingly in despair, Reifer broke the 124-run partnership when he took Panchal’s wicket after the batsman had made a patient 58.

Gowtham then came to the crease, and looked to accelerate

the innings as he smashed 2 fours and a six in his 11-ball 18, but his loose mentality caused Romario Shepherd to bag his first wicket.

India were then 172-7, and with the tail exposed, Shepherd removed Markande to jeopardise Dube’s chances of scoring his first century in the tournament, thereby adding to India’s woes. Thus, with the pressure to score firmly resting on his shoulders, Dube departed for 79, forced off the bowling of Shepherd to attack with the Windies now into the tail.

The last Indian wicket fell to Holder, who picked up his second five-wicket haul in first class cricket. Holder ended with 5-54, Shepherd with 3-29, and Reifer with 2-42.

The Windies now had a healthy lead of 128, and in their second innings, they got off to a good start, with a few crisp boundaries coming off the bat of Kraigg Braithwaite and Shamar Brooks; but Sandeep Warrier struck to remove both batsmen in the same over.

The in-form Hodge departed shortly after, as Mohammed Siraj struck to leave the Windies at 123. Warrier then returned to remove night watchman Jomel Warrican to end the Windies’ day of play on 12-4, their having a lead of 140.

Shivam Dube topscored for India A

Jordanian Sports Academy developing minds on and off the field T

By Timothy Jaikarran

29.

he Jordanian Sports Academy (JSA) launched its Sports Clinic on July

This clinic, which caters for children between the ages of 5 and 16, is being held at the Georgetown Football Club (GFC) Ground from Monday to Friday between the hours of 9am and 1pm. It focuses on games such as football and chess, and qualified trainers teach at the clinic. Sessions will culminate on August 23, 2019.

In an interview with this publication, founder of the academy, Rawle Jordan, explained the initiative behind the clinic by saying, “The idea was born from my constant visits to Guyana during the school holidays… children were idle on the street, and I thought

Students learn the game of chess from certified FIDE instructor Davion Mars

A participant working on his drills during his session

to myself, ‘How can I add value to these children’s lives?’

There were also many grounds throughout the country which were underutilised, it is like having a fully equipped university/school without any students. I felt the need to create opportunities for the underprivileged children; so, why not use these grounds to help develop the youth and have fun whilst doing it? The power of sports can create unity. When our athletes go on to represent Guyana or the Caribbean, they should create togetherness and support from every creed, class and race.

“We have seen where politics is often used as a tool to divide, and I believe sports is a powerful instrument which can be used to unite!

We have witnessed (that) when Chanderpaul went out to bat, the entire country rooted for him. We have seen (that) when Hetmyer walked out at Providence Stadium, the entire ground went into excitement.

These men represent all colours of the Guyana national flag.

“Compounded with this is

Students engaged in a game of football

Founder of the JSA, Rawle Jordan

my belief that more needs to be done to accelerate Guyana’s potential. In the abundance of water, only a fool shall be thirsty. I believe that Guyana is the richest country in the region, with gold, diamond, bauxite, lumber and now oil; yet so many are migrating. Why can’t we use these resources to create opportunities to

excel? What we need are innovative ways to tap into these resources to maximize the potential of the people and the country.

“There seems to be a lack of innovation, so we teach chess to develop mental creativity from young, which is our way of adding value to the nation; a way to create change. This is so important to JSA -- sports exhibit teamwork and unity.

“So what better way than by starting with the kids and demonstrating harmony? We fundamentally believe that there is no better investment than the human resource. The mind is one’s greatest asset, and we want to play a part in the development of such,” Jordan explained.

The Academy’s main

objective is to become the premier sporting institution in Guyana and the Caribbean.

The focus is on developing each participant with on- and off- field training in all sporting activities, such as football, cricket and boxing, to name a few.

The academy also focuses on mental strength. This is where the game of chess comes into play, as it aids in developing mental agility. It is the academy’s mission to create leaders using sports as the medium to teach life skills, so that each child can realise their highest potential and become world class athletes.

Persons desiring more information on this academy are invited to contact the academy on 681-7120.

guyanatimesgy.com

friday, august 2, 2019

ExxonMobil Football tournament

23

Cummings Lodge, Carmel to battle for male championship …Campbellville and East Ruimveldt to contest female finale O

nce the weather holds and sunshine prevails tomorrow, the finals of the ExxonMobil Boys’ and Girls’ Under-14 Football tournament will be contested in what is expected to be riveting action.

On the cards for tomorrow are the male and female finals and the male third place playoff. The female version of the third place playoff was contested last weekend, and as fate would have it, Charlestown Secondary pulled off an impressive comeback to take the third position with a 6-0 victory over Tucville. Secondary.

However, during that encounter, the once sunny weather drastically reversed itself, causing postponement of the female final between New Campbellville and East Ruimveldt Secondary schools.

When the young ladies take to the Ministry of Education Field on Saturday, March 3, both sides are expected to play their hearts out to get their hands on the grand prize, which would allow the winning school to choose a school project to be completed by oil and gas giants ExxonMobil.

The East Ruimveldt female squad will be facing an uphill task as they prepare to take on New Campbellville, who have been lethal throughout this 2019 tournament.

The only blemish on East Ruimveldt’s record has been a loss to 2018 champions Charlestown Secondary, but the young ladies from ‘back school’ have since defeated every opponent they have come against, including Tucville Secondary 2-0 in the semifinal, from whence they sealed their final spot.

New Campbellville Secondary are, however, yet to lose an encounter since June, when the tournament began. With wins as large as 8-nil, they have managed to edge past the dominant Charlestown Secondary

3-2 in order to progress to the final.

Given both extensive knowledge of the game and competitiveness displayed by both female teams, the finale, which will be staged at 14:00hrs, promises to be exhilarating and suspenseful.

A new male champion will also be crowned on Saturday, because last year’s winners, Chase’s Academy, did not participate in this year’s tourney. The final showdown will feature a battle between East Coast and Georgetown teams, as Cummings Lodge Secondary and Carmel Secondary battle for this year’s spoils.

While Carmel Secondary have not shown any sharp-shooting skills in the scoring arena, their players Ian Daniels and Shem James have been consistent for the Georgetown team, s c o r ing in almost every game played. However, what Carmel does have

is an alert defense, a l though they managed to hold off the skilled Dolphin Secondary in last week’s semifinal game.

A solid defense on Carmel’s part would be key to pressuring Cummings Lodge, who have thus far been able to score freely in every match contested. Cummings Lodge Secondary have been able to rack up massive wins similarly to their 9-0 victory over Queenstown Secondary in the semifinal.

Jitzak Martinez and Shiloh Adams have

The male teams have been highly competitive at this Under-14 tournament

thus far been the leading men for their teams. Both boys have scored hat tricks and helmet tricks in this year’s tournament.

Given that Cummings Lodge’s defense has not yet been tested and Carmel have strong custodians close to the net, the male final will see fireworks as both sides battle to prove that they are the best under-14 school team in the nation.

Prior to the two championship games,

the male third place playoff will be contested. Queenstown Secondary will go toe-to-toe with Dolphin Secondary at 13:00hrs for the third position.

The ExxonMobil under-14 tournament has been organised and run by the Petra Organisation. The Ministry of Public Health are also supporting the tournament through their “fight against chronic diseases” campaign. (Jemima Holmes)

Guyana Cup 2019 boosted by Park Square & A Forrester Lumber Yard

T

he Guyana Cup 2019, the 13th annual staging of Guyana’s elite horse racing meet, gallops off on August 18th at the Rising Sun Turf Club at Rising Sun Village on the West Coast of Berbice (45 minutes’ travel from Georgetown).

With its US$50,000 in prize money representing the largest purse ever set for horse racing in Guyana, it is inevitable that this event would only get better, especially since both A. Forrester Lumber Yard and Park Square Fun City and Mahaicony Gas Station of the East Coast Demerara have confirmed that they would be joining the jockeys to ‘ride in unison’ with this event.

This meet is expected to be one of the biggest, if not the biggest, in the history of equine competition in Guyana. Moreover, a grand mega-concert featuring seven international artistes is planned for staging after the event.

According to the organisers, Jumbo Jet Thoroughbred Racing Committee (JJTRC), fans will be able to access the mega-concert for the same $2000 entrance fee applicable for entry to the horse racing extravaganza.

With an eight-race programme backed by an international concert planned for August 18 at a venue as ideal as the Rising Sun Turf Club, sponsors have been enthusiastically embracing the opportunity to align themselves with this event, particularly since the Guyana Cup has historically been a major player in sports tourism in Guyana during the August period.

In a press release, JJTRC Chairman Nasrudeen Mohamed Jr., thanked those sponsors and all persons who have supported the Guyana Cup meets, this year 2019 and in the past.

The races, with the relevant prize money, are as follows: – C Class and Lower, feature race over a distance of one mile, prize money $2 million – Three-year-old Guyana-bred: prize money $1 million.

– G3 and Lower: prize money $400,000 – L3 and Lower (open to non-winners from Trinidad & Tobago): prize money $350,000 – Two-year-old Guyana-bred: prize money $300,000.

– J3 and Lower over seven furlongs: prize money $300,000 – L Class for Colts: prize money $250,000.

– L Class ‘Philly’ and Mare: prize money $250,000.

Some of the top animals expected to be on show at this meet are: Just Call Me Bass, Crown the King (Jamaica), Doublin Fashion (USA), Chameli (Jamaica), Safara (Jamaica), Southern Express (T&T), Silver & Things (T&T), Sitarr (T&T), Kentucky Woman (T&T), Super Easy (T&T), and She’s a Princess.

Dharamdai Pargass of Park Square Fun City hands over sponsorship to Rovin DeSouza (left) of JJTRC

Jamal Holland, Supervisor of A Forrester Lumber Yard (left), presents DeSouza with his company’s sponsorship

friday, august 2, 2019

Sports is no longer our game, it’s our business

guyanatimesgy.com

Page 22

Holder’s 5-for highlights 2nd day

Page 20

Guinness “Greatest of the Streets” Georgetown…

Finalists to be decided tonight

─ Windies A in trouble at 12-4 ExxonMobil Football tournament

Page 23

Cummings Lodge, Carmel to battle for male championship …Campbellville and East Ruimveldt to contest female finale

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